Overview

In this riveting coming-of-age survival story in verse perfect for fans of Alan Gratz, a fire lookout-in-training must find her courage when a wildfire breaks out on her watch. Twelve-year-old Opal has a secret: she's deathly afraid of fire. Still Opal is preparing to become a fourth-generation lookout on Wolf Mountain, deep in the New Mexico wilderness. She, Mom, and Gran live at ten thousand feet in a single room at the top of a fire tower. They are responsible for spotting any hint of smoke before it becomes an uncontrollable blaze. Instead of training for the lonely life of a lookout, Opal wishes she could be starting seventh grade in Silver City, attending real classes with kids her own age and even going to afterschool clubs like FFA. But Wolf Mountain has other ideas. When Mom makes the long trek to town for supplies and Gran goes missing, Opal is the only one to spot a tell-tale spiral of smoke moving up the mountainside. She'll have to be braver than she's ever been as she heads into the woods, beyond Wolf Ridge's old blackened burn scar, to face down a fire on her own. But when a fire is what took her father away, and Opal herself knows the sting of smoke and lick of flames, how can she be brave enough when it really counts?

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Reviews

Praise for The Burning Season A Junior Library Guild Selection An NCTE 2026 Notable Children's Poetry Books and Verse Novels Selection ★ ""[A] masterful, memorable coming-of-age tale that sensitively explores the power and pressures of family legacy.""--BookPage, starred review ★ ""This novel written in emotive free verse brings the emotional impact of poetry to 12-year-old Opal Gloria Halloway's coming-of-age tale of survival. A young wilderness lookout confronts family expectations and her fear of fire... Believable emotions, gripping action, and skillfully incorporated information about climate change and wildfire management make this a relatable and engaging read. A girl-versus-nature story that shines with evocative verse, a compelling protagonist, and a brisk plotline.""--Kirkus, starred review ★ ""Excellent pacing, an engrossing plot, and an endearing main character make this impossible to put down. A riveting survival story with emotional growth...Opal's voice shines through each poem, deepening moments of emotional resonance and intensifying action sequences.""--Booklist, starred review ""This thrilling novel in verse packs all of the adventure and excitement of a survival story into concise, poetic stanzas.""--The Horn Book Magazine ""The adventure starts fast in this wilderness survival verse novel...the style brings readers along with Opal, racing through the forest as she calls on everything she has learned to take control...Descriptions of the National Forest feel vivid and realistic; Opal and her family know and love the land and detailed pictures are painted by the verse.""--School Library Journal ""Riveting, original, deftly written, emotionally engaging, and a fascinating read from start to finish.""--Midwest Book Review ""As Rose layers ongoing drama, the tension ramps up. In a gripping climax, Opal, alone, hunts for and then fights to contain a blaze... lyrically evocative.""--Publishers Weekly

Author Information

Caroline Starr Rose is an author whose books have been ALA-ALSC Notable, Junior Library Guild, ABA New Voices, Kids' Indie Next, Amazon's Best Books of the Month for Kids, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. In addition, her books have been nominated for almost two dozen state award lists. Caroline was named a Publisher's Weekly Flying Start Author for her debut novel, May B. She spent her childhood in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and New Mexico and taught social studies and English in four different states. Caroline lives in New Mexico.

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