When Tomorrow Burns

by Tae Keller

Three middle school students embark on a quest to find a book that may just save their lives in this spectacular novel about fate and friendship—from the Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger .

Once there was a tree. There was a tree. There was a tree. Until the tree fell. And then there was a book.

When best friends Nomi, Vi, and Arthur were younger, they found a book that could predict the future. It was so very satisfying and comforting to know what was coming. But as the friends drifted apart, they forgot about the book. Except for Nomi. The final prediction says “How do you turn a girl into flame. You’ll never be the same.” What does it mean? It sounds dangerous—especially with wildfires raging in the distance. Nomi just knows there’s a sequel to the book; if only they could find it, everything would make sense.

As Nomi teams up once again with Vi and Arthur, they must navigate their complicated feelings about each other, their fears of the unknown, and the risks they aren’t sure how to take. In the end, will they be able to fight destiny?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Friendship, Childrens, Climate Change, Magical Realism, Realistic Fiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

TAE KELLER is the Newbery award winning and New York Times bestselling author of When You Trap a Tiger and The Science of Breakable Things. She grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she subsisted on kimchi, purple rice, and stories. Now, she writes about biracial girls trying to find their voices, and lives in Seattle with her husband and a multitude of books.

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Reviews

[Mildly Mad Hatter(Semi Hiatus) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 5%
Unable to continue this book due to LGBTQ content.
One of the main characters has two fathers.

[Erin Entrada Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Nomi, Violet, and Arthur used to be close friends, but as middle school wears on, they spend less time together. Arthur broke away first, spending more time with the boys on the cross country team, in part because he has a crush on Nomi and doesn't think she likes him that way. Nomi does, but she is obsessed with an old book the three kids found in Arthur's fathers' gallery. She thinks that the poems are prophetic, based on how things in her life were able to be interpreted. Violet is more interested in boys than Nomi, which Nomi finds irritating even though she has a crush on Arthur. There are wildfires in the area surrounding their Seattle home, so when Violet shows up wearing an uncharacteristic all pink outfit, Nomi thinks that the combination of pink and gray is signifying the end of her world. Violet is angry about her mother's blog, and when Lucas asks her to send him a compromising selfie, she does. She thinks he won't share it with anyone. Nomi goes full speed ahead to try to solve the mystery of the book, even contacting a scientist after she says something very similar to one of the prophecies. We also hear a back story of the book from the perspective of the trees. When Lucas shows other boys the picture of Violet in her bra, Nomi goes on the war path and attacks Lucas. This puts her scholarship in jeopardy, and since her single mother is struggling financially, she would have to leave the private school. Violet wants to quit and go to public school with Nomi, and the girls cause a fire when burning some of the unflattering sketches Lucas has spread around school. Luckily, Arthur saves the day by providing proof to the principal.

This reminded me of Rebecca Stead's 2015 Goodbye, Stranger. I appreciated the author's note that we shouldn't try to hide the horrible things going on in the world from tweens, but I'm not sure that the compromising selfie plot ARC will resonate with my students. Our school dress code is literally "all private parts must be covered", and there have been girls coming to school in low rise jeans and tube tops, which are much more revealing than bras. The cover makes this look like it might be about climate change, and there are glimmers of that, but it's more about social media use and friend difficulties. Hand this to students who will appreciate the interstitial Greek chorus sections from the point of view of the trees.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seventh grade is a rough time, especially when three close friends are all moving in different directions. Vi (formerly Violet, but now only Vi), Nomi, and Arthur have been tight for years. But now Vi is trying out new ideas of who she is, Arthur is more and more aware of how people think of him, and Nomi just wants everything to stay the same. Years ago, the three friends found a book of poems that doubled as predictions of the future, but now they’ve come to the end, and Nomi knows they can’t successfully navigate middle school without it. As Seattle is cloaked in a haze of wildfire smoke, Vi is talking to a boy named Lucas, Arthur is on cross-country with Lucas, and Nomi is desperate to find the second volume of poetry that the first book refers to. But when everyone has drifted apart, something happens that pulls them back together.

This is the first Tae Keller book I’ve read, and it was stunning. Each character stands alone and unique, even as they all need each other to be fully formed. Seventh grade is such a strange time, and watching Nomi and Vi approach it in opposite ways reminded me so much of my youth. This touches briefly on Vi’s experience as the child of a mommy blogger, but the turning point in the story is Vi’s flirtation with Lucas, which leads to her sending him a (with bra) topless Snapchat, and then watching him screenshot it, helpless to stop it. When Lucas shows her picture to other boys without her permission, she’s violated and heartbroken, but I was so happy to see the united front of care and support from both her mom and Nomi’s mom. Vi was never blamed for making bad choices, but embraced and supported through the process of reporting it to the school and dealing with the fallout. The book clearly places the blame on Lucas for his choices, and he is suitably disciplined. I want to booktalk this to every fifth grade kid I see this spring, but I ran it by my school librarians first. Universally, they all said it’s appropriate and worth discussion. I’ll also be booktalking this to middle schoolers I work with as well.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tae Keller (Newbery winning When You Trap a Tiger, The Science of Unbreakable Things and more) gives middle grade readers another thoughtful look at the myriad of social and personal complexities faced by so many in that grades 5-8 age group. Nomi, Vi and Arthur are a trio of friends who find a book that seemingly predicts the future which provides them with, at times, both comfort and anxiety, and binds their friendship together. But time moves on, the book is shelved and friendships change. When fire threatens their Seattle home, the book’s importance surges and the threesome must come together once again. Told in alternating perspectives, including those of the trees that have been around longer than any of us have been, allows readers to see into the thoughts and minds of characters who may be experiencing similar things or allow them to view the world through the lens of someone/something very different. Slow at the start, the pace picks up as the fire and the friendships grow and change and all those who finish this one may find that they are still thinking about When Tomorrow Burns long after they turn the last page.

Target age group: grades 5-8

Representation: wide range of economic levels and family configurations, including Arthur and his two dads and the way society views these groups is included as one of the realities kids face today.

Free of profanity and physical violence is limited to that of nature.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Wow. This book was just…wow. So many themes woven together. There were times I wasn’t sure it was working, but by the end I was blown away. Told through a middle grade perspective, Tae Keller reflects on the ways that fire destroys and rebuilds - trees, houses, communities, but perhaps most importantly, ourselves. How do you survive after the world burns? Sometimes the only thing left to do is regrow.

This one will be given a spot on the permanent bookshelf!

[Linda Srour · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Tae Keller’s books. But this was bad. The most woke book I’ve ever read but for MS? It was actually not appropriate for kids. I can see them being so confused. And for what? All it did was take away from the story.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Love how it deals with male toxicity, cyber bullying and misogyny. What a wonderful friendship between Vi and Nomi!!!

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honest and compelling read that deals with some tough topics.

[Addie Piccotti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book really fast because it was pretty engaging. I loved how there was three main characters and the overall plot of the story was fun.

[Heather Farabaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Books for Children for access to a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was an incredibly powerful story!! The world is a scary place right now, and not only do the kids know it, they experience it in ways that adults don’t completely understand, which more often than not, leaves them feeling lonely, worried, and hopeless. The problems that Keller tackles range from global disasters down to interpersonal relationships, and many others in between.

Nomi, Vi, and Arthur discovered an anonymous journal when they were younger, and its prophetic poetry has correctly predicted too many events for them to ignore its “magic” -from small things like predicting a new flavor of ice cream, to larger, friendship ending forecasts. But when an apocalyptic prophecy seems to be coming true, Nomi must gather her friends back together to figure out how to stop it.

I highly recommend this book, especially for kids who are struggling with dealing with the pressures of the world, their families, and the daily lives of middle schoolers.

[Patti Sabik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three middle schoolers search for an old book which may be able to predict the future. Along the way they renew friendships, experience crushes, and learn some hard lessons. This book was much heavier than I had expected and took some digesting afterwards to connect it all together. Multiple POVs, including trees, engage the reader and shed light on internal motivations. Overall a worthwhile read.

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tomorrow Burns is a middle grade novel about three friends navigating middle school all while ongoing wildfires shroud the Seattle sky in gray smoke. A book about how kids cope with the impeding sense of doom that they deal with on a daily basis from climate change to social media.

I really loved this book. I’ve read When You Trap a Tiger, so I went into this one with high expectations, and honestly... it delivered. It has mixed Asian representation, real issues kids must face in 2026, all while set in my home state – it all just worked. The way she wrote the trees at the heart of the story really anchored the story and was my favorite part. If you haven’t read Tae Keller yet, you really should.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s book for the gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ekta · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Three friends who have access to a special book that predicts the future grapple with the challenges of growing up. As they deal with confusing situations and changing friendships, they will have to figure out what’s important to hold on to and what they need to let go. Author Tae Keller’s prose is as beautiful as ever in a book that is at times confusing in its goals in When Tomorrow Burns.

Nomi, Vi, and Arthur are best friends—well, they used to be, until Arthur got all weird last year and stopped talking to Nomi and before Vi decided she no longer wanted to go by “Violet” and changed her wardrobe. Nomi loves her friends, but she can’t figure out what on earth is going on with them. She and Vi used to tell each other everything, but now Vi spends most of her time texting someone nonstop. Nomi doesn’t know anything else about it, and she misses her friend.

Vi wants to tell Nomi that she’s been chatting with Lucas, one of the most crushed-on boys in school, but she also likes having something to herself for a change. Lucas sees Vi as something special, and she doesn’t want to mess that up. And Nomi would never understand anyway. She’s too obsessed with the book of prophecies the three friends found years ago. Nomi is convinced it tells the future, and even though Vi can’t argue with Nomi’s logic she also wants to do more grown up things. Like talk to Lucas.

Arthur misses Nomi and Vi as best friends. The three of them used to do everything together. Then about a year ago, Arthur looked at Nomi and got a funny feeling inside. He hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her ever since, but he doesn’t want to make things weird between them. Better to stop talking to her completely. It sucks, but it’s way less complicated than this squishy way he feels about her.

Then the wildfires around their home city of Seattle kick into high gear, and the friends are forced to change to life mostly indoors. Nomi is positive the fires are a sign from the prophecy book she and the others found years ago, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before the world collapses in total annihilation. She has to figure out how to stop it all, and the book is the only way to do it. If only that meant she didn’t have to see Arthur and try to ignore how sad she is about the end of their friendship.

Despite her better judgment, Vi gets on board with Nomi’s quest too but she keeps getting distracted by Lucas and his casual suggestion. Vi knows doing what he asks takes a lot of trust, and she’s flattered by Lucas’s trust in her but also scared by it. If only it didn’t take so much courage. But that’s what all three friends need these days, whole buckets of it, if they’re going to figure out how to save the world and their friendships all at the same time.

Author Tae Keller’s prose is an absolute delight, but the novel flounders in its main goal. Keller gives the friends their own alternating chapters, which allows readers to follow the kids, but she intersperses them with Greek chorus-style interludes from ancient trees. It’s not clear whether the book is meant to tell the story of the trees or the friends, whether it’s trying to make a comment on climate change or the difficulties of growing up in the current era. What is clear is that the book is trying to do too much.

In her author’s note, Keller says she wanted the book to reflect all the big life questions middle grade readers might face in these times. There’s no doubt the novel does that. However, without clarity in its teaching moments, the book feels like it’s covering too much.

The narration touches on the dangers of toxic masculinity and how harmful it is to young boys, but it doesn’t stay long enough on the subject. Keller also hints at the implied peer pressure young girls face as well as how the climate crisis and world events can weigh on young teens and affect their mental health. Yet none of these topics are examined to a great extent, which is a shame because all three of them on their own would have made compelling novels.

Fans of previous Tae Keller books may want to check this one out. Others new to her work should read her previous book, _Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone_, instead.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keller’s new middle grade novel looks at growing up in challenging times and reaffirms that community will be the balm that can hold our society together.  Nomi, Vi, and Arthur have been friends forever but 7th grade brings changes to their relationship. Arthur feels uncomfortable about his crush on Nomi and distances himself from the girls, instead spending all his time with the cross country boys. Meanwhile, Vi feels exposed when she discovers her mother’s blog, which exhaustively documents her daughter’s life; as a result, she tries shortening her name to Vi and changing up her look. Finally, brainy Nomi demands that the friends reexamine an old, handmade book that the three used to pour over exhaustively.  In the past, its cryptic pages have seemed to predict their futures, but it ends on a dire note: “A girl who burns, a boy who breaks. How do you turn a girl to flame? When canopies burn, you’ll never be the same.” Stuck in the middle of Seattle during fire season, Nomi fears that the book foreshadows catastrophe and believes that only finding its sequel can avert disaster. 

The book’s narration alternates between the 3 main characters (all speaking in the third person) and short, dreamy passages delivered in first person by a tree, which has been around long enough to remember the creation of the book and watch over everyone who’s come into contact with it. Keller touches on many hot button issues in this novel, including climate change, sexting, toxic masculinity, and income inequality, but the long range perspective provided by the tree will help readers keep everyday worries in perspective while also providing a striking model for mutualism. Although the cover and the description of the book allude to forest fire, the natural world functions more as a metaphor for the emotional upheavals of modern adolescence, with the book representing the magic and pureness that Nomi longs to hold on to, even as her devotion to facts comes into conflict with that wish. Nomi and Arthur are white, with a single mom and 2 dads respectively, while Vi is mixed race: Asian and white. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Isabelle Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb reads:

Three middle school students embark on a quest to find a book that may just save their lives in this spectacular novel about fate and friendship—from the Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger .

Once there was a tree. There was a tree. There was a tree. Until the tree fell. And then there was a book.

When best friends Nomi, Vi, and Arthur were younger, they found a book that could predict the future. It was so very satisfying and comforting to know what was coming. But as the friends drifted apart, they forgot about the book. Except for Nomi. The final prediction says “How do you turn a girl into flame. You’ll never be the same.” What does it mean? It sounds dangerous—especially with wildfires raging in the distance. Nomi just knows there’s a sequel to the book; if only they could find it, everything would make sense.

As Nomi teams up once again with Vi and Arthur, they must navigate their complicated feelings about each other, their fears of the unknown, and the risks they aren’t sure how to take. In the end, will they be able to fight destiny?

I personally was not a huge fan of this book, which was a bit disappointing, seeing as Tae Keller is one of my favorite authors, and I've adored all her previous books. There were enjoyable elements (I loved the idea of the book of prophecies and the author's writing style is very descriptive and really shows you into the hearts of characters.)

However, this book just really wasn't for me. Partly because it's more of a gritty contemporary (a genre I don't typically read) and partly just because I just really didn't find it an enjoyable middle-grade read. I didn't relate that much to any of the main characters, especially as a homeschooler and writer. And I personally felt like it was just a bit too... heavy for middle-grade, if that makes any sense. A big reason I read middle-grade is because middle-grade often handles and talks about real-world issues with tactfulness and hope, which I really didn't feel like this book did very well, and instead just kept name dropping issues in a way that felt forced and shoved in my face. There was also a plotline in this book that I really did not find appropriate for middle-graders where one of the MCs sends a photo of herself in a bra to one of the boys at school. I personally did not find that plotline well-written or written with tact either.

Overall, this was not the most enjoyable read for me. I wouldn't recommend it to my blog readers, and I don't think any of the middle-grade readers I know in real life would be interested in this book. 1.5 out of five stars from me.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventh graders Vi, Nomi, and Arthur used to be best friends, but time and circumstances have distanced them from one another. As younger children, the three discovered a book of prophecies that seemed to be accurately predicting the future, and it is the final prophecy that brings the three back together in unexpected ways. As the world burns around them—both literally and figuratively—the three hope desperately to know what happens next. But only time and their own choices can determine how the future will unfold. This thoughtful middle grade novel is told from several perspectives, including that of the trees that have seen more of time than an individual human ever could. Brief chapters offer glimpses into each character’s motivations and behavior, helping readers better understand the changes the characters undergo and the motivation behind those transformations. Though the pacing of the story is slower than many middle grade novels tend to be, this deliberate choice allows deeper contemplation of the very real challenges the characters face and the consequences of their actions. In a world that often feels outside of one’s control, this story reminds readers of the agency each person has in their individual decisions, regardless of what any prophecy might say. A metaphor for the rings of life that take all things through a journey of destruction and regrowth, the story is uplifting in its ultimate resolution despite the difficulties encountered throughout the narrative. This is a good addition to library collections for middle grade readers who appreciate contemplative literature.

[Ryan Laferney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A girl who burns, a boy who breaks.”

When Tomorrow Burns is powerful, often poetic coming of age middle-grade novel by Newbery Medalist Tae Keller (author of When You Trap a Tiger). It is a contemporary story with a touch of magical realism, set against the backdrop of a Seattle summer filled with wildfire smoke, that deals with climate anxiety and tween anxiety quite well.
The story follows three estranged best friends—Nomi, Vi, and Arthur—who discovered a mysterious book of prophecies when they were younger. While most of the book's predictions seemed like minor coincidences, one final, ominous prophecy remained: “How do you turn a girl into flame. You’ll never be the same.” Nomi is obsessed with the book and convinced that the raging wildfires are a sign that the final prophecy is coming true. Vi is dealing with a crush and private photo that was shared without her consent. Arthur is too busy with his cross country team and is distancing himself from Vi and Nomi. But Nomi is afraid the prophecy will come true and their lives (and maybe the world) will be ruined forever. Perhaps it does. Perhaps it does not.
The way Keller weaves the anxieties that tweens face today with immiment climate disaster is masterful. The tween anxiety and climate anxiety feel palpable in this novel. When you're young, everything feels like the end of the world! And in a poetic touch, the novel includes short chapters written from the perspective of trees, which act as a "Greek chorus" providing historical context on the city and the origins of the prophetic book.
This is a powerful story about friendship, autonomy, fate, privilege, and how we navigate an uncertain world.

[Emma Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - I’m so impressed by this novel! As soon as I finished it, I wanted to pick it right back up and reread.

Originally, I had a hard time getting into this book… at 37% I started finding the themes and the “why” a the book. I could start to see an outline. We see what preteens and young teens having been going through for decades which includes navigating friendships as they age. In addition, body changes and the beginning of their dating journey. As well as, what teens have to go through in today’s world with technology.

In addition, family dynamics in today’s society are quite varied compared to 30 years ago in the US. Single moms, mixed families, same sex parents, and more. The book discusses how society treats those different families dynamics. Along with a guilt that is recognized amongst the parents generation for the future they have set up for their children.

The most obvious theme is probably the climate impact. We see the fires impact on society. The conversation about the trees is a great way to see the planets “pov” or a voice of criticism towards human’s behavior. But also, the symbolism behind fires and trees echoed throughout the book was poetic.

This is one of those books you could really dive into to discuss literature, social constructs, and more.

A thank you to Netgalley, Tae Keller, and Random House Books for sparing me to read and review this book.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the skies around their Seattle homes are filled with smoke from wildfires, three middle graders try to find answers in this enthralling, intensely involving (albeit a bit predictable) title [3.5 for me!]. Nomi, Vi, and Arthur were once a close-knit band, but that is no longer the case. For unknown reasons, Arthur doesn't hang out with the two girls anymore, instead spending time with Lucas and running cross country for their exclusive private school. As Nomi becomes increasingly convinced that the book the former friends once pored over holds clues to the future, especially since so much of what it seems to protect has been happening, the three of them come together again. But they're still holding onto secrets that keep parts of them separated or hidden. Keller does a fantastic job in portraying the vulnerability of all three, especially Vi, who starts worrying about being pretty. Since the story is told through alternating voices of Nomi, Vi, and Arthur, interspersed with observations from the trees in the forest outside the city, readers are treated to multiple perspectives. My favorite parts were those wise ruminations from the trees. As was the case for some other readers, I expected the book to focus more strongly on climate change--and while there's some of that, it's more a social commentary on self-esteem, insecurity, bullying, and toxic masculinity. Vi's experience with Lucas serves as a cautionary tale for many girls her age.

[Beth Given · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nomi, Violet (Vi), and Arthur have been friends for a long time. Back in elementary school, they found a book of prophecies that all were coming true. But middle school has turned their friendship upside-down. Arthur struggles to fit in with the popular boys on his cross-country team. Vi's mom has been posting pictures of her on her Instagram to thousands of followers. Nomi needs to find the sequel to the book of prophecies so that her friends, who have been drifting away, will come back to her. And all of this happens while the world is burning; not-so-distant forest fires have blanketed the Pacific Northwest in smoke.

Sometimes this book felt very contemporary; Vi's story of wanting desperately to be liked by her crush that leads her to sending a partially nude photo was heavy and serious. But so much of the story seemed rooted in the past; I felt a little like I had been dropped into the middle of something and could never quite figure out what was going on. Was the chorus of trees and the fire burning them literal, or metaphorical, or what?

The book had some beautiful phrasing and tackled some important issues; I particularly liked Arthur's subplot of trying to figure out how to fit in with the boys and what misogyny looks like in middle school. I just wish I hadn't been so confused by it.

[Rebecka · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tomorrow Burns is a powerful coming-of-age story centered on the messy, emotional world of middle school, where friendships, identity, and belonging can feel like everything. The book captures the intense pressure kids face at that age when they are trying to figure out who they are while also navigating the fear of standing out or becoming the subject of ridicule. It beautifully explores the struggle between doing what is right and simply wanting to fit in.

The way Keller weaves a prophecy throughout the story makes it even more compelling. Watching the written words slowly unfold was fascinating, especially as events came to fruition in ways neither the characters nor the reader expected.

This was an incredibly emotional read. It made me reflect on my own experiences during those middle school years and also think about the day my own children will reach that age and face similar challenges.

Keller also thoughtfully weaves in important social topics, including gender identity, stolen land, and the history of Japanese internment camps. Seeing these ideas through the perspectives of middle schoolers adds depth and encourages reflection without feeling overwhelming.

This is a thoughtful, emotional book that I will absolutely keep on my shelf and hope my children read when they are old enough.

[Erin Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller is a thoughtful middle grade novel about friendship, fate, and the unsettling possibility that the future might already be written.

The story follows three childhood best friends—Nomi, Vi, and Arthur—who once discovered a mysterious book filled with prophecies that seemed to predict their lives. When they were younger, the book felt magical and exciting. But as the friends grow older and begin drifting apart, the final prophecy starts unfolding in ways that feel much more frightening.

Set during wildfire season in Seattle, the book blends a light mystery with the emotional reality of growing up. As friendships change and secrets surface, Nomi becomes determined to stop the prophecy before it leads to destruction.

My ten-year-old daughter (who reads at about a sixth-grade level) read this ARC and absolutely loved it. She especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding the prophecy book and kept wanting to know what would happen next.

This is an engaging middle grade story that explores friendship, change, and the uncertainty of the future in a way that will resonate with young readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the advanced reader copy.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so disappointed with this one! I thought it might be a book about how kids cope with climate change, but while climate change is definitely a backdrop, the book is more about social media, toxic masculinity, and kids having crushes on each other. The long and wordy narrative thread about a magic book didn't work for me, nor did the small chapter interludes from the trees' POV. The sections that dealt with parental oversharing about their kids, toxic masculinity's cruelty, and friendships under pressure got very compelling and the book is worth reading just for that. Loved the subplot about Arthur and his dads. Grateful for some inclusion of poverty. It was a relief to ignore the magic book for a while and a bigger relief to find out the 2nd magic book was destroyed. Tae Keller is clearly a gifted writer, but there's no substitute for a gifted editor. I will look forward to when Ms. Keller uses her considerable gifts to write a book that realistically deals with kids coping with climate change. I felt like there were 3 - 4 different novels in here fighting to get heard and all of them were short changed.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends Nomi, Vi and Arthur have been reading a book donated to a museum of lost and found art, using the scraps of information as if they are prophecies. When they have finished the book and the prophecies have all come true, they become determined to find volume 2. As their lives spin a little out of control, the kids take each crisis one at a time and get through them. I think all of us sometimes feel like we'd like to have the future mapped out for us, to know how things will turn out ahead of time, to have the comfort you don't get by facing the challenges of life head-on. But these kids learn that if they try, and if they do their best, sometimes bad things will still happen, but they can get through them. There are passages that are from the perspective of the trees, and while I found them beautiful, I wonder if kids will entirely understand. I hope they do. Review from e-galley.

[Armina Fonacier · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥 When Tomorrow Burns
By Tae Keller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


When Tomorrow Burns is a thoughtful, emotionally layered story that blends grief, hope, and self-discovery in a way that feels both intimate and universal. Tae Keller’s writing remains gentle yet powerful—she captures complicated emotions with clarity and warmth. I loved the quiet strength of the characters and the way the story explores how we hold onto pain, memories, and the versions of ourselves we thought we had to be.

While the pacing is a little slow in parts, the emotional payoff is worth it. It’s reflective, tender, and lingers with you after the last page. Fans of heartfelt, character-driven storytelling will definitely appreciate this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨️ Archives of Armina ✨️

[Armina Fonacier · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔥 When Tomorrow Burns
By Tae Keller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


When Tomorrow Burns is a thoughtful, emotionally layered story that blends grief, hope, and self-discovery in a way that feels both intimate and universal. Tae Keller’s writing remains gentle yet powerful—she captures complicated emotions with clarity and warmth. I loved the quiet strength of the characters and the way the story explores how we hold onto pain, memories, and the versions of ourselves we thought we had to be.

While the pacing is a little slow in parts, the emotional payoff is worth it. It’s reflective, tender, and lingers with you after the last page. Fans of heartfelt, character-driven storytelling will definitely appreciate this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨️ Archives of Armina ✨️

[R. Condon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tomorrow Burns uses the struggles and injustices tweens face today as a lens to look back at historical struggles that rhyme and are still with us today. Specific issues are new, yes, but the troubles at their roots have been there for so much longer.
The meat of the story involves three middle schoolers, Nomi, Vi, and Arthur, in their quest to hunt down a very old book of poetry-prophecy that Nomi believes will give them the guidance they need to (figuratively, probably) survive their uncertain world. In the weeks it takes to do this, the kids suffer all the growing pains of 21st century puberty.
Keller's novel is tender and painful and unflinchingly honest. Tweens will feel seen and older audiences will be transported back to their own time in this age that never seems to get easier for later generations.

[KidsBookPick · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Tomorrow Burns is hopeful and deeply real. The story is as beautiful as its cover art. Told through the alternating perspectives of three students, and a wise old tree, this book weaves through the history of a mysterious book and the quiet power of the wisdom it holds. The prophecies within guide the students through the trials and treacheries of middle school, gently reminding us that things will work out, even when life doesn’t go according to plan. So much is layered into this story that I know a second read would reveal even more beauty. It was the story I needed to hear today. Magical.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Books for Children for access to the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.