Spark

by Chris Baron

As a community recovers from a devastating wildfire, two friends find their way back to each other and their homes, by award-winning author Chris Baron.

Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz and Lauren Tarshis.

Finn and his friend, nicknamed Rabbit, live in a rural area that's been hit hard by wildfires. Families were displaced and school was interrupted. Moreover, their beloved forest is suffering -- animals and plants haven't been able to come back, and the two friends wonder if there's anything they can do to help. Rabbit's uncle, a science teacher, is part of a study that may help bring the forest back to life, but Finn and Rabbit wonder if the forest can wait. And what if another fire comes in the meantime? They believe a small part of the forest -- the forest heart -- that survived the wildfire may hold the key to regrowth, but first, they have to find it and then convince the adults around them to listen.

For any young person who's ever felt powerless against the world, here is a story about two kids doing all they can to understand their natural world and preserve it.

Genres: Middle Grade, Poetry, Novel In Verse, Realistic Fiction, Animals, Family, Nature

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Chris Baron is the award winning author of Novels for Children including ALL OF ME, an NCTE Notable Book, THE MAGICAL IMPERFECT a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable Book/ a SLJ Best Book of 2021 & the forthcoming novels, THE GRAY a ProjectLIT 23-24 Selection and SPARK from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, and SECRET OF THE DRAGON GEMS, a Middle Grade novel co-authored with Rajani LaRocca from Little Bee Books, and editor of ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS: A MIDDLE GRADE PASSOVER ANTHOLOGY, from Abrams (24), He is a Professor of English at San Diego City College and the director of the Writing Center. He grew up in New York City, but he completed his MFA in Poetry in 1998 at SDSU. HE lives in San Diego with his family. He is represented by Rena Rossner from the Deborah Harris Literary Agency.

Twitter: @baronchrisbaron
Instagram: @christhebearbaron

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3 stars ✰

“Great-Grandpa Finn would say
we can fight
the scary fires out there—
then, pointing back to her own heart—
with the spark in here.”

The one true moment where I really felt a flurry of emotions and the writing resonated viscerally with me was during the spread of the untamed and untimely arrival of the forest fire, itself - because everything changes in an instant.​ 🥺 The rush - the heat - the fear - the swiftness in which Finn and his family had to act to get out in time, to witness firsthand the efforts of those around them - the sensory details were rich and realistic in its portrayal, along with Finn's own desperation to keep in touch with his friends, that like the wind would be scattered into different locations, until they learned it was safe to return to their homes - or at least what would remain.​ ❤️‍🩹

However, it pains me to say that other than that one viscerally compelling scene, I felt no other real Spark between myself and the other characters. The writing felt more like it was informing rather than relating. 😕​ Ofc, I am in no way disregarding those who have been affected by the severity of natural fires. I know it pales in comparison, but even seeing the widespread devastation that recently occurred in Los Angeles was mind-numbing and shattering. So no - definitely no​. 😥

“Stay safe, look after each other.
Remember that even in all this tragedy
fire is part of the natural cycle.”

What ailed me was that it did not read very much like a story; and again, I don't mean that just because it was written in verse. Finn's feelings and the dialogue and the plot progression, including once again the unrealistic if not too on the blindside of perfect Hollywood-ish ending where kids' actions and words are enough to change the trajectory - it became an info-dump rather than a relatable and poignant experience.​ 😔

The latter half - especially, because everyone is looking for change and someone to take the blame. What makes this a bit different simply than just highlighting the aftermath of such an unpredictable and unstable predicament, is that it also became a cry to save the forests. Save the natural environment that was also on the brink of annihilation, even before the travesty that spread through the Hollows...​ 🙍🏻‍♀️

“What can kids do to help?
I mean, really make a difference?
You’ve already started, Uncle Charlie says,
just by learning
what you have.”

Finn and Rabbit were a solid team, passionate and earnest in their drive to bring about change - she’s the heart; I’m the mind.' Seeing the different ways in which one reacts in the aftermath of a crisis was believably and sincerely portrayed. 👌🏻​ ​Along with Rabbit's fervent search for her beloved dog, Thorn. 'It feels as if we are haunted. I liked the comparison between Finn's great-grandfather's departure to that of Finn's family's own evacuation, as it also gave a beautiful nod to the Jewish Ner Tamid, full of hope and strength, a light that never goes out..​ 🕯️

But, in the end, despite a few heartfelt moments, it felt more educational and informative rather than poignant and emotional, which made it an okay read. 🙎🏻‍♀️​ I know it is encouraging for young readers to get a glimpse into what they can do or those affected by such a loss know that they are not alone, but I would have liked a little more heart, rather than the emphasis of being more proactive.​ 😕

I would also go after the suddenness in which Finn's own father starts singing a different tune, but it is hopeful to see that people can change their mind - for the right cause. Even if it is baby steps to learning just enough of what part they can play to protect the environment and the importance of caring for the land, that takes care of us.​ 🌳

[Jen Petro-Roy]

So sadly timely.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

8th grade Finn narrates this moving story of fire and the destruction and devastation it can cause as well as the hope that is, hopefully, never truly extinguished. The title is present throughout Finn’s record of events when fire, a conflagration caused by natural and manmade events, creates so many different sparks, those of hope, invention, cooperation and, of course, flame.

Finn is a strong student with a penchant for recording everything in his field journals. His best friend Marisol/Rabbit notices everything and feels deeply making them the perfect duo for observing the changes in the wildlife and forest in their area as commercial and residential construction increases along the edge of their town’s preserve. And when fire changes both their lives and those of so many other people, they are the ones who make the decision-makers sit up and take notice of what such development is doing to their homes.

Excellent novel in verse for grades 4-8 with the voice of teenaged Finn coming through loud and clear. Text is free of profanity, sexual content and the only violence is that which man does to nature and vice versa. Representation: Rabbit is Filipino/American and has an emotional support dog; Family configuration and financial status is diverse; a friend’s single mom is wheelchair bound.

Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss.

[Christiana Doucette · Rating 5 out of 5]

When nature loving Finn and his best friend Rabbit set up new wildlife cameras, they have no idea their cameras may catch the heavy construction vehicles throwing sparks. Sparks that may have contributed to the blaze that destroys most of their community. When fire sweeps through the forest, and their home, Finn and his family flee in their car, while Rabbit and her family stay behind at the safe haven. Rabbit is desperate to find her missing dog. Finn and Rabbit both need a way back, back home, back to a feeling of safety in the community, and back to regrow the forest and home they've always loved.

Kids on both the West and East coast have faced natural disasters this year in the form of floods and fires, and this book may especially connect with those who've seen their community devastated, and are searching for empowerment in rebuilding, I loved the story, And I recommend it!

[Lauren Phelps]

I struggled to finish this book all month. I think that’s a result of back to school and other things going on, so I’m not sure I can give it a fair rating. But, I learned more about wildfires, hope, and community. A relatable line from the author’s note: “When the world is on fire, where can we find hope?” The author’s goal was to show that sparks of hope are everywhere.

[Erin Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPARK is a beautifully-written, edge-of-your-seat verse novel about a town trying to rebuild and move forward after devastating fires destroy everything - this one Is absolutely essential for helping kids understand wildfires and our human impact on the natural world. Highly, highly recommend.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Baron never talks down to his readers, and this novel in verse exemplifies that. This story of destructive wildfires is honest and devastating, and perfectly melds in themes of climate change, true family struggles, community development, and rebirth & hope.

Absolutely gorgeous middle grade writing, with an Author’s Note that made me emotional. Well done, yet again, Chris Baron!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Finn and his friend Rabbit love their California neighborhood of Redwood Hollows, and especially like following the local wildlife, even posting trail cameras to track animals. Finn's family has been in the area ever since his grandfather came to the country. Their area has been without rain for 151 days, and since his father works construction, he's not had any jobs. Finn's mother works as the local animal resue, so the family is hanging on, but when the father gets a construction job with the father of Jonah Oster, who gives Finn a hard time in school, they are relieved. Finn, however, is concerned about the environmental impact of the project, which will put housing very close to the forest. Since there have been a number of fires, he and Rabbit are opposed. When the Redwood Hollows community is devastated by fires, Finn and his friends are scattered. Finn's family goes to their Aunt Juliet's, Rabbit goes to Amarillo, Texas, and Mia goes to Crescent City. Rabbit's dog goes missing. It's a fraught time made only a bit better by the efforts of school counselor Mr. Finkel, who invites the students to virtual class meetings to process their feelings. He's been covering classes for Rabbit's Uncle Charlie, who is a climate scientist from the Philippines who is trying to convince people to improve the wildland-urban interface to prevent future fires. When Rabbit's trail cam shows that Oster's equipment might have started the fires, the community rallies against further development, and rebuilding tries to consider the environmental implications.
Strengths: This is based on the real life experience of the author, who lives in California, and who lost one of his favorite natural places to a devastating fire several years ago, so there are lots of hard hitting descriptions of the devastation. I loved that Finn and Rabbit are interested in the wildlife around them, and want to try to preserve their neighborhood and community. It's also realistic that Mr. Oster wants to build closer to the woods than he ought, since people seem to ignore most environmental advice! Luckily, the community rallies around Finn and Rabbit's initiative. The fact that Finn and his friends had safe places to go will be comforting to readers, and the description of the temporary housing that Mia and her mother, who is in a wheelchair, have after their house is completely destroyed was educational. There is a fair bit of Jewish culture, and Mr. Finkel is a great and supportive teacher. Fans of this author's work will look forward to this new title.
Weaknesses: The novel in verse format, while poetic and descriptive of sights and sounds, makes it a bit harder to understand some of the details about evacuation and rebuilding.
What I really think: There have been books about wildfires in California since at least Cooney's 1995 Flashfire, but most, like Philbrick's Wildfire , Rhode's Paradise on Fire, and Henry's Playing with Fire,
focus on escaping the fire. Spark, like Bard's Wildfire and (to some extent) Tashjian's My Life as a Meme, is more concerned with the aftermath. Faris' flood Finding Normal, and Bishop's 14 Hollow Road also discuss tweens who have to recuperate from devastating losses due to flooding and a tornado, respectively.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a spark of fire can burn thousands of acres; just a spark of hope can help people survive those fires.

Nationally, there were 64,897 wildfires reported in 2024; reported wildfires consumed 8,924,884 acres. Human caused 57,962 fires, consuming 4,666,553 acres; the remaining fires were caused by lightning.

“It’s all good here,” [Matt, the firefighter] says. “It was just a tiny spark.
We probably could have taken it out with a fire extinguisher!”
He winks. “But we’ll probably be out here for a while.
No telling what a tiny spark might become.” (ARC 10)

That tiny spark became a fire that wiped out a community—houses, forest, possessions, pets. And readers live through that fire with eighth-grader Finn, his family, and his two friends, Rabbit (Marisol) and Mia, and their families.

“Then far away,
toward the ocean,
a heavy cloud darker
than a thunderhead
spreads across the sky.
Fires.
Fires.
Everywhere.” (ARC 40)

Families are evacuated and seek shelter in the Municipal Gym, or, as Finn and Rabbit, go to stay with relatives and attend school virtually where school counselor Finkel is there “to check in—to listen, to talk about anything [they] want,” helping his students to cope and even making yelling boxes. (ARC 143)

After the fire is contained and those who evacuated return home or to temporary “homes” provided, Finn and his community are divided between those who think the forest should be left to regenerate, with animals, such as the new wolves, returning, led by scientist and science teacher Rabbit’s Uncle Charlie, and Finn and Rabbit themselves, and those in the community who want to build houses and a park in the area and, as Finn’s father, whose livelihoods may be dependent on the new construction. But Finn and Rabbit’s science class project cameras have captured the truth and the dangers that construction can (and did) cause.

Readers follow Finn and his community as they leave a “(Not Quite) Normal Life,” go through “Evacuation,” are “Uprooted,” and then “Coming Home,” and finally “Regrowth” through Finn’s voice, written in verse. Each year we hear about fires, such as this, on the news and read about them in newspapers, but SPARK lets readers experience the trauma these fires incite. As one student asks a firefighter, “Will things ever be normal again?” (ARC 235)

[Raymond Rugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spark is a novel in verse by Chris Baron and it has a lot going for it.

To begin with, the poetic structure of the book makes it a little bit intriguing, a little bit interesting, a little bit different than the other books on your classroom or library bookshelves. The poetic structure can also make it an easier entry point into literature for reluctant readers or for student who—for whatever reason—may find it difficult or off-putting to navigate the format of a more traditional story. A novel in verse can often provide a more direct connection between these readers and the emotions and feelings of the story.

And once the reader is initially drawn into Spark, the interesting plot and engaging characters will keep them hooked. Protagonists who are richly developed and a storyline that deals with themes of conservationism, environmentalism and activism make this a book that can catch and keep the attention of just about any young reader.

But there is yet another aspect of Spark that makes me such a fan. Representation does matter, and so the Jewish identity of Spark’s first-person protagonist is a welcome aspect of the book. In the piece entitled “Shabbat,” the narrator tells us,

“...
We don’t do it every week, but if nothing else,
on Friday afternoons we visit friends
or friends come to our house.
Sometimes Mom bakes challah
when she’s not too tired.
At sundown we might light candles,
say some prayers before dinner.
Then we usually play boardgames.
It might not be the most orthodox way,
but Mom says Great-Grandpa would approve,
because being together is what matters most.
...”

Baron skillfully includes a Jewish element to the story in an understated yet unapologetic manner. The narrator does not feel the need to define the word ‘challah’ nor to explain the traditions of the day. The Jewish lifestyle is normalized, rather than other-ized. In the best tradition of the words of Rudine Sims Bishop, Spark offers a reflection of Jewish life for its Jewish readers and a window into Jewish life for those readers who are not Jewish.

As always, my litmus test is... Having read this book, will I seek out other books by this author? Spark passes with flying colors and I'm eager to add Chris Baron's works to my classroom library.

So.
Get Spark and read it for yourself.
And definitely make it available to any young readers in your life.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Rabbit will draw you in, and you will not want their story to end. Thankfully, you won't be able to forget them. These characters will live in your heart.

Chris Baron creates memorable characters. (Really. He's a master.) I'm sure you've read some books that have characters who are hard to distinguish from each other, and you are hard-pressed to find anything to say about them. Well, you won't have to experience that in a Chris Baron story.

Although people who have experienced wildfires and their aftermath will find so much to connect with in this book, so will the reader who has never. Isn't that one of the reasons we read?

Finn, Rabbit, their friends, and families are dealing with loss, and there are so many connections for readers to make to their own experiences. I couldn't help but think of the hurricanes that affected Houston in the years we lived there. I remember students who lost their homes. I wish we'd had a book like Spark to help us all navigate that time.

If this is your first book by Chris Baron, you may want to know that, though he writes about the tough stuff, he's never going to leave readers without hope, warmth, and possibilities.

As an educator, I want to recommend this to upper elementary and middle school families, teachers, and librarians. It would make a wonderful book club selection. I have worked with readers for 28 years, and this book will create so many possibilities for discussion, science connections, and truly meaningful projects.

Young humans have the best and sometimes quirkiest ideas. We need those to make our world even better! Finn and Rabbit will help spark those ideas.

Will you question the actions of the characters? Yes. Will you cheer for them? Yes. Will you cry for them? Maybe.

Will you wonder about these characters after you finish the last page? I bet you will. I am.

I hope all the readers that need this book will find it.

[Martha Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in verse and narrated by a nature-loving boy named Finn, this is the story of a small, tight-knit community situated near a forest in California. Finn and his best friend, Rabbit, love the woodlands and the animals that live there and want to prevent the construction that would cut down some of the trees. Wildfires have been going on all around them and the air is always smokey. When a spark ignites their woods, fire spreads quickly and everyone has to evacuate. Finn, his family, and friends go through all the emotions as they flee from the fire, wait for it to be put out, and return to what is left of their homes and a much-loved grove of old growth trees. Finn suffers from PTSD, but he and his friends are determined to do whatever they can to replant the forest and save it from future devastation. This book addresses timely topics such a climate change, loss of animal habitats, economic factors, and the environment. And although out-of-control wildfires are devastating, fire-fighters explain that fire does play a part in the natural growth of forests. There is diversity among the characters. Finn's family is Jewish, Rabbit's family is Filipino, one person is in a wheelchair, another has asthma, and there are socioeconomic differences among the residents. The ending is hopeful, as the whole community will be involved in rebuilding what was lost. As devastating wildfires happen all around the world., this book can help explain the causes and effects to tween readers, and perhaps encourage them to care for the environment. Highly recommended.

[Sally Kruger]

Finn and his best friend Rabbit love their community. Situated in California near the forest surrounded by trees and wildlife, they can wander and adventure anytime. Finn's father, recently out of work, has been hired to help clear land and prepare it for a development. The creators of the development are promising new jobs and new homes, but people know that it will interfere with the current status of the community.

When a sudden wildfire erupts, everyone's lives and homes are at risk. Finn and his family hit the road to evacuate. When it's time to return, they learn their home was spared, but many around them weren't so lucky. Finn and Rabbit believe they might know a potential cause of the fire, but telling won't make them very popular.

Now it's time to rebuild. The locals are hoping to rebuild what was already there, but the construction company has other ideas. Will Finn's dad be able to continue working, or will he decide the big company doesn't have the best interests of the environment in mind?

SPARK is a novel in verse that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Tense scenes set during the fire reveal the danger and fear of Finn and the others living there. The loss faced by many is staggering. Facts about climate change and its impact on the land and forest inspire some and fall on deaf ears for others looking to profit by changing the land. SPARK is a necessary book that should be in classroom and library collections.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sharing an advanced reader’s copy.

A beautiful novel in verse about the power young people have in understanding the natural world and helping to preserve it.

8th grader Finn and his best friend Rabbit live in a rural area in California. When wildfires hit, families are forced to evacuate or seek shelter. Once the fire is contained, residents must decide to either let their beloved forest regenerate or be built up with homes and a park. The community becomes divided on the issue, and Finn and Rabbit reach for sparks of hope and safety for the home they’ve always loved.

Favorite passages:

ARC Page 1:
“But what is normal, anyway,
once everything in your life has changed?”

ARC Page 15:
“Sometimes I think running
is how she charges up her heart.”

ARC Page 37:
“Color is fragile hope.
It remind us
that things are alive,
growing
even when we don’t see it.”

ARC Page 118:
“What kind of roots are we?
Family roots hold each other
any way they can.”

ARC Pages 192-193:
Two beautiful, full pages of metaphors on hope, such as…
“Hope is having
enough faith
for someone else,
even when you might
not have enough on your own.”

A timely, heartfelt middle grade novel in verse that publishes soon - July 15th. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end about his inspiration for this story.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Save the Forest.”
🔥
Finn and his friend, Rabbit, are Californians living in a town that has been affected by wildfires. They are passionate about the forest, animals and plants thanks, in part, to Rabbit’s uncle, a science teacher. When another fire destroys their community, Finn and Rabbit respond differently, though both are devastated. When they’re able to return home after evacuating, they believe a small part of the forest—the forest heart—has survived and can be rebuilt. But not every adult is in agreement as to what rebuilding looks like. As these two kids mourn all they’ve lost, they also find their voices to stand up for what they believe.
🌳
Unfortunately this MG book could not be more timely. The wildfires that raged the LA area recently broke all our hearts and those who live in these communities will see so much of their experiences on these pages. @christhebearbaron did a fantastic job of researching, interviewing and learning about people in communities such as these and the unspeakable loss they all had in some form or fashion. This clifi novel is hopeful, but really hit home now more than ever before. P.S. the dog doesn’t die!

CW: fire, homelessness, loss, climate change

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is a powerful novel-in-verse.

Finn and his best friend, Rabbit, live in a small community that's dealt with smoke from distant wildfires. Climate change has causes visible impacts in their young lives, with a local stream drying up, less rain, no snow on the mountains, and more. They have an idea what to do if a fire comes, but once that fire does show up, it moves faster than anticipated.

The children struggle with the aftermath of the fire, including trauma, grief, and more. They also try to get adults to listen to them about how to prevent this from happening again. The children believe that they know a way to rejuvenate the area, but how can they get through to the adults?

So many children deal with the impacts of trauma, including PTSD. I wish a book like this had been around when I was diagnosed with PTSD as a child. I wouldn't have felt so alone. I would have also seen hope in the pages of the book. This book would have made a world of difference for me if it had been around back then. I'm so grateful that it's been written. It will change lives, and it may even save some lives. literally.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC! This should be in all upper elementary and middle school libraries, as well as public libraries.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle grave novel in verse is for your young nature lovers. Finn and his best friend Rabbit are obsessed with nature, especially after their small town is ravaged by wildfires. They’re dedicated to do whatever they can to “save the forest!” and help foster in a new season of regrowth.

The characters are so well done, the story balance well between action and introspection. The messages of saving our planet and facing adversity with resilience are great.

I found myself confused at parts while reading. The novel in verse is a tricky format, and I think some things were not always explained and the action sometimes jumped from scene to scene. All dialogue is in italics instead of quotation marks, so I had to really pay attention when a character began speaking or when a conversation was happening. Although novels in verse are touted as great for struggling readers, this one may need to be for readers with stronger comprehension because of the inference skills needed.


3.5 stars rounded up

[Sue.the.very.busy.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Spark by Chris Baron (@christhebearbaron) is one of the most powerful middle grade novels in verse I’ve read — a must-read for young readers trying to understand the real-life impact of wildfires in places like California and Canada. 🌲🔥
Finn’s story pulled me in immediately. As wildfires threaten his home, he and his family are forced to leave everything behind — grabbing only what matters most and fleeing in their truck. 💔 The moment they drive away, unable to save the animals, especially Thorn (his best friend’s dog), absolutely broke me.
This book is heart-wrenching and hopeful — a story of loss, resilience, and what it means to face climate change head-on. 🌎 I especially loved Uncle Charlie — a forest ranger and teacher who leads with wisdom, compassion, and action. He’s the kind of role model we all need. 🍃📚 Books like Spark are so important right now. They open the door for tough conversations and empower young readers to care, act, and hope. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Chris Baron has written a moving story that pulled me in immediately. I identified with the suspense felt by the neighborhood residents as they carried on with their lives hopeful that the nearby wildfires would stay away and I loved the subplot with Uncle Charlie, teacher and environmentalist. While Spark is a middle age book, I found myself emotionally engaging with the plight of Rabbit and Finn as they try to save their beloved forest from the effects of climate change. And I felt deep sympathy for the mental health of the characters as their neighborhood is engulfed in flames requiring evacuation. Spark brings the desperate need for climate change mitigation to the forefront in a story that's engaging and heartfelt.

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura Roettiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and powerful book that allows the young protagonists to be empowered in their quest to make a difference in their community as they battle "Progress" and what that means to the forest and the increased risk of fire.
SPARK takes readers through the dramatic pain of evacuation due to forest fires and returning back "home" maybe to find their homes gone, or their neighbors' homes gone and the tragic reality of lost jobs, pets, friendships, and the challenges of living through this type of community devastation. I stopped between sections since this is a subject that hit home for me and read a book with a lighter subject before coming back to SPARK. I loved the Jewish representation in the story and the way the main character struggled with his normally academic focus in the aftermath of the fire. That felt all too real.

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written in free verse poetry format, SPARK captures the raw emotion and devastation caused by wildfires and the transformation that hope brings to a community and humanity. Chris Baron is a master storyteller, bringing characters to life layer by layer as if they live and breathe! Spark is so much more than a book about a wildfire. It illuminates the spark within all of us and how our words, our actions can have a powerful, positive impact on our families, friends, community, and the world. Impossible to put down, I read it in one sitting.

An illuminating, brilliant must-read novel filled with compassion, hope, and humanity that will leave you thinking about how you can be a steward to help save our forests!

[Karol Silverstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for granting me access to an advance copy.

Harrowing and heartbreaking one moment, hopeful and healing the next, author Chris Baron’s latest middle grade novel-in-verse, Spark, captures the moment-by-moment experiences of two kids caught up in the devastation of a California wildfire. The terror Finn feels as his family evacuates through the raging fire is palpable, as is his emotional numbness following the traumatic escape.

Baron does a great job showing how this particular fire affects this particular community—and how they come together to implement change, initiated by Finn’s best friend Rabbit, who’s fiercely protective of the neighboring forest. Spark sends a gentle yet powerful message about resilience, activism, community and communication—one that is essential for today’s kids as they navigate an increasingly tumultuous world.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finn lives in a small town just outside Sequoia National Park in Northern California. He and his best friend Rabbit love everything about the forest and set up trail cameras to capture what they aren't able to see in person. When a wildfire burns through their town and parts of the forest, they must come to terms with the devastation and fight to make sure the forest is allowed to come back. Told in evocative free verse, readers will feel the terror and heartbreak along with Finn as he struggles to get back to some kind of normal. Note: readers who have been close to wildfires may want to take care if reading this book. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss

[Martha Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really visceral read for Upper Elementary and early Middle School kids about surviving a CA wildfire while also being a story about eco-activism that takes place before and after the fire. The other cool thing about the book is that some of the minor characters in it are real people, like one of the naturalists in the story.

My only concern is the novel is in verse (which makes it very intimate and immediate) but the verses weren't necessarily conducive to sharing some of the detailed information you need to understand the plot or for keeping track of extensive character lists. So some confusion resulted for me anyway.

Still, recommend for lovers of survival stories like Global by Eoin Colfer as well as for kids looking for role models of activism and care of the earth.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning of reading Spark by Chris Baron, I wanted to highlight sentences and entire passages. This novel in verse with every poem titled as main narrator Finn narrates, we are taken into an intense and moving journey of teens navigating the results of wildfires enhanced by climate change and unneeded development. Will Finn and his best friend nicknamed Rabbit survive a wildfire that rages through their community? What about Rabbit’s therapy dog Thorn? Will the heart of the forest and its inhabitants be spared? What comes after a wildfire?
Can anyone make a difference? The answer might be as small as an acorn. This is an outstanding title begging to be read aloud.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timely novel-in-verse about wildfires, trauma, friends, courage, and displacement when wildfires come to Finn and Rabbit’s town. They all have to evacuate and Rabbit’s dog, Thorn, goes missing. When they return, Finn and Rabbit see a small part of the forest survived, and they want to enlist the community to help save it so the animals will come back especially after people see a wolf on their trail camera.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kassidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, for allowing me to read Spark by Chris Baron in exchange for my honest review. #Spark

Finn and Rabbit are best friends, adventurers, and, more importantly, recent survivors of the fires that destroyed their town. After the fire, everything changes; school no longer feels the same for Finn. He doesn't want to pick up his field guide and write in it anymore. He barely feels like himself, but he holds it together for his best friend, Rabbit, who is also falling apart. She lost her dog, Thorn, before the fire, and he still hasn't turned up. On top of that, one person is talking about building a baseball stadium and houses on the recently ashen grounds of their favorite park. Read more to find out what happens.

This powerful novel in verse is timely and a must-read.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for so many readers - those who care about the environment, are fascinated by science, and love realistic fiction with characters you can grow with!

Finn and Rabbit are dealing with a lot when they are displaced due to wildfires. Will their friends, pets, and family be ok?

And what about the homes? the trees? the wildlife?

I work with striving readers who like novels told in verse because they can read a thick book with a manageable number of words per page. I love novels in verse because they can be beautiful, and this one sure is.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an empathy building, great choice for a classroom read or lit circle! Kids and adults with no experience as to what it is like to have to be evacuated from their homes due to forest fires will truly learn much with this novel in verse! So many thought provoking discussions to be had- kids as activists, community building, family dynamics, PTSD symptoms. All senses are on board! Being in verse will allow more students access to this!!

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 3 out of 5]

“We never know when a fire may come. You understand this already. I want you to do three things. 1. Have hope. 2. Help each other in ways you never have before. 3. Be prepared and have a plan.” Wildfires are a real part of anyone who lives in the west. This novel in verse explores the journey many communities have had to endure after a fire. Themes: climate change, wildfire prevention and recovery, grief, friendship, and trauma. I am sure this is going to be a hit with middle grade students.