When Giants Burn

(Paperback, Reprint)

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Description

In this poignant (Publishers Weekly), riveting middle grade novel thats a Hatchet and Gretel story (Booklist), two unlikely friends fly off on an adventure they hope will set them freeonly to learn the value of what they left behind.

Gerty has a secret: Shes building an airplane. She wants to join the Civil Air Patrol, where pilots as young as twelve help with disaster reliefbut she knows her parents would be outraged. Theyre survivalists who raised her to be independent and only enrolled her in middle school to show her why theyve decided to opt out of society. Still, Gerty is determined to protect her beloved Pando, a nearby ancient aspen forest.

Hayes has some problems of his own, but they arent the kind that can be hidden under a tarp. His mom is back from prison, but hes not sure hell ever stop missing the mom she used to be. One thing is certain: Hes never going to be like her. He follows the rules. But Gerty is the only person at school Hayes doesnt hate, so after she tells him about her hidden plane, he helps her finish it.

When wildfires break out nearby, Gerty wants to fly to Pando and make sure its safeand Hayes is tempted by the chance to escape everything on the ground. But the duo will soon realize that they cant escape their rootsand that holding onto those connections might be the real key to survival.

Reviews

"Vrabelspins a poignant love letter to friendship and a harrowing survival tale in this gripping read." * Publishers Weekly *
"A heartwarming read with a powerful message: The lonely and jaded can heal with the love of an empathetic friend." * Kirkus Reviews *
"Readers will be swept along by the intense plot." * Booklist *

Author Bio

Beth Vrabelis the award-winning author of more than a dozen middle grade novels, includingTo Tell You the Truth,Lies I Tell Myself,When Giants Burn, andPerry Homer Ruins Everything. She lives in Canton, Connecticut, with her family. Visit her at BethVrabel.com.