I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018: The Graphic Novel

I Survived Graphix #13

by Cassie Anderson (Illustrator), Lauren Tarshis

A vividly rendered graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Cassie Anderson.



All across California, deadly wildfires rage . . .

Still reeling from the life-changing challenges that propelled him and his mother across the country, Josh finds solace in the California wilderness and in the newfound friendship with his cousin Holly.

But on a trip into the nearby forest, Josh and Holly suddenly find themselves in the middle of a frighteningly powerful firestorm, one which threatens to burn down everything in its path. Josh needs to confront the family issues burning him up inside, but first he'll have to survive the flames roaring all around him.

Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I SURVIVED series blazes to life in this graphic novel edition. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep readers turning the pages. Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Childrens, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Comics, Survival

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Serenity]

4.5

[Sandy]

I knew we had so many fires around the world in the last few years but, wow, unbelieveable how many. So many acres in California alone were burned because of wildfires. It used to be that firefighters would try to put out all the fires, but they came to realize that fires are good for forests. It gets rid of unhealthy trees and brush and makes way for new healthy growth to improve the areas. A lot of the time humans are to blame for the fires, but nature has started them too. Just so fascinating.

[Brielle Butkiewicz]

It was sad but true

[Lucie Palmer]

It's so good and also a little bit sad.

[Joanne]

★★★☆☆ (3/5)

This middle-grade graphic novel is part of the popular I Survived series, which places young protagonists in the midst of major historical disasters. While the California wildfires provide the backdrop, the story focuses as much on Josh’s family struggles and personal growth than on the disaster itself. Readers looking for a detailed account of the fires may find the historical event often takes a secondary role to the character-driven narrative.

That said, the book serves as an accessible introduction to wildfire science, touching on how fires spread and some of the environmental factors that contribute to their severity. The recurring discussion of a pet python shedding its skin is employed as a metaphor, mirroring both the destructive and transformative forces affecting Josh and his family.

The artwork is serviceable rather than spectacular. Given the challenge of depicting a fast-moving natural disaster, the visuals get the job done, even if they rarely rise above that level. A particularly strong feature is the nonfiction section at the end, which provides additional context about the real-world wildfires and offers a useful springboard for young readers interested in learning more.

[Stacey Adams]

This story has a wonderful message along with an adventure. When his father is in trouble with the law Josh and his mother go to stay with their cousin Holly and her mom in a remote place that is very different from what they're used to back home. Holly is really cool. She knows a lot about reptiles, they have reptile rescue at their home. Right now they have a boa constrictor and a monitor lizard which Joey is excited about. Joey learns a lot from Holly.
The wilderness where Holly lives is in constant danger from forest fires that rage out of control. They learn from friends who fight these fires about what it takes to stop the spread and how to survive in the midst of one. The two end up in a situation where they have to rely on each other to survive.

[Brianna]

My kid is obsessed with the I Survived audio books and I have heard them all a bunch, so I wanted to check out this graphic novel.

Used for the May mini challenge #2- character has a roomate (there is a drawn scene where you see the main character is sharing a room with another character)

Works for the following prompts:
9- featuring a natural disaster
15- subtitle with commas
28- from a series of at least 8 books
April mini challenge #2- author’s photo, smiling with teeth (it’s a drawn photo, but fits the prompt!)

[Allison]

I haven't read an I Survived book before (the graphic novels or the chapter books) so I thought with a new one coming out, it might be a good time to try them out! I definitely enjoyed this. It was very fast-paced and the artwork was great, with bright, vivid colors that will keep kids interested.

[Rebecca]

Strong middle grade graphic novel that I think my kids will love. I particularly loved that a lot of it was about climate change and in the end, there was lots of information about the history of fires in the US as well as fighting fires.

[Shelina]

Josh and Holly are pretty tough kids. Showing positivity despite the tragedies that befell their dads, on top of getting caught in a wildfire? Tough indeed.

[Mauricio]

it was my favorite i survived graphic novel

[Kathyj]

read for a class visit :-)! i love the i survived series and its so cool to see the stories come to life in graphic novel format

[Everly Guest]

These drawings are elaborate and I loved how heartfelt Lauren Tarshis is, and though she’s not afraid to have some really tough and hard conversations

[Trisha]

Always a good read!

[Logan Hatchfield]

I love this book it is a very good book!

[Elizabeth Joyce]

I still remember watching these devastating fires on the news.

[Carol]

2020 - 2026 - HB - Hadley LIb

[Kim Bahr]

A story of the 2018 California wildfire intertwined with a boy’s family crisis and getting through the difficulty of “shedding your skin”

[Beth]

The transition to graphic novel worked well; forest fires are great for illustrating and they do a good job with the emotional arc with the jailed dad and the new friend and her snake.