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YA
Fifteen-year-old Pearl starts an illicit relationship with Amiel, an undocumented migrant laborer. When fire consumes southern California, Pearl abandons her family to warn Amiel of the approaching flames. Pearl ominously hints at impending disaster throughout the narrative; this foreshadowing heightens the climax's suspense. Inspired by southern California's 2007 fires, McNeal captures the desperation of both love and survival with wrenching authenticity.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2011