Fire Girl, Forest Boy

by Chloe Daykin

Maya has to escape. She's on the run in a country she doesn't know and has no idea who to trust.
Raul is escaping too - travelling back to his home where a terrible tragedy happened, ready to stir up trouble.
When their paths collide in the middle of the jungle, the sparks begin to fly. As modern world corruption meets the magic and legends of ancient times, can Maya draw on her hidden light to find the way through to the truth?

A book about light, about magic and belief, and about unlocking your own potential, from the critically acclaimed author of Fish Boy.

Genres: Middle Grade, Novels, Magic, Friendship, Animals, Adventure, Childrens

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2019

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes a lot to make science and magic come together within a contemporary setting but that's exactly what Daykin manages in her third novel. Set within Peru, Daykin's dual-narrative story is one which explores the exploitation of land from greedy corporations and the loss of identity and culture that comes with this.
Through the eyes of Maya, a fiery Scottish girl, visiting Peru with her father (a celebrated scientist) and Raul, a Peruvian native who had been forced to leave his home due to illegal logging, Daykin tells the story of a girl out of touch with a grief-striken father and a young boy who hides from a guilt-ridden past. Daykin has already proven in her previous novels that she can handle complex themes with a steady touch and her latest novel does the same.
Although both characters are interesting and fully believable, I was mostly drawn to Matias, the boy who would not leave his village to the loggers, and I suspect Daykin was too. He is the link that brings together Maya and Raul's differing worlds and he is the eyes that show them and the reader, the rot of greed which eats away at our natural resources.
Together, the three youths try to uncover the purpose behind Maya's father's involvement with these corporations whilst also attempting to fathom why strange glowing orbs are gradually emanating from Maya herself. Are they the spirits of the forest aiding them on their quest or do they surface because of a secret within her. Whatever the case, their origin must be faced if they are to save the rainforest.
Fire Girl, Forest Boy is an excellent novel with worthy, timely themes. Its short, gripping chapters and use of dual narrative make it a quick and engaging read. There is much here to discuss and explore and, as with all Daykin's stories, the characters are well rounded with a fleck of vulnerability.

[Rhuddem Gwelin · Rating 2 out of 5]

With all the 5* ratings here I was expecting something sensational but it's just a nice juvenile novel. What's interesting is the Peruvian setting and the environmental battle against forest-killing corporations so it's good if kids read it and then get involved in Greenpeace etc but as a novel it no more than OK.

[Emily Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Peruvian set adventure Chloe Daykin takes the reader on a danger filled adventure alongside young Scottish girl Maya and young Peruvian native boy Raul. Maya’s scientist father has, it seems, become involved in working with a huge, greedy logging company. The same company who seem responsible for the destruction of Raul’s village and implicit in causing the deaths that haunt him and his family and friends. When Maya’s father disappears in the middle of the jungle, Maya must use her wits and her uncover her hidden strengths to survive and discover who is behind his disappearance and why she is being chased down too.
Raul and Maya’s paths collide in the jungle and they must learn to trust each other in order to stop corruption creeping onwards and threatening the landscape around them even further. In the midst of the harsh truths about the cost of progress and the struggles it causes, the author creates vivid and lush, rich descriptions of the jungle. The reader is completely enclosed in the jungle humidity, sights, smells and textures and also in the past and the myths, legends and beliefs of jungle life. So when Maya herself seems to glow with strange lights that appear magical and protective ,it seems perfectly natural and yet wonderous.
Daykin uses a clever dual narrative by these two characters to tell their story and the reader sees the surroundings, the issues , the emotions from both points of view. As Raul and Maya grow closer and learn to put their faith in each other, their voices flow into each other’s seamlessly and add to the pace and emotion of the story. A thought provoking, often nail biting adventure full of mystery, warmth, heart and a strong sense of conscience.

[Amy Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was originally drawn to this book due to its setting in the jungle in Peru, I liked the possibility of reading this to children who are very unlikely to have been anywhere like where this book is set. The chapters of this book alternate between the two main characters, Maya and Raul, and tell their individual stories and thoughts as they end up meeting each other under circumstances no one would have expected due to the incredibly different backgrounds of the two characters. However, both with the same aim they become incredible friends as Daykin takes us through a journey of discovering true friendship as they both face this unbelievable adventure.

[Ros · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very topical book for children or anyone who is interested in the issue of deforestation. The concept of a diary entry from the point of view of two characters is very clever. However, this means it is quite informal and is not written in Standard English.

[Margaret Morey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the qualities of the author's first two books - the same inimitable, original style, the unput-downable narrative, the strong sense of place and characters you don't want to say goodbye to on the last page. It tis a must for growing minds, but a great read for adults, too!

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book from critically acclaimed author Chloe Daykin. This time round she takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure through the sights and sounds of Peru and deep into the Amazon rainforest. It is no surprise to read in the author’s notes that Daykin spent time in Peru whilst writing this book. A grant from the Arts Council afforded her the opportunity to experience Peru, and she took two schools along for the ride (albeit a virtual ride). The read is packed full of the kind of authenticity that only comes from living those experiences yourself.

Meet Maya and Raul. Both trying to escape. Both searching for answers. Maya is far from her Glasgow home and when her dad disappears in the cloud forest she is alone in a foreign country. Desperate to uncover the reason for his disappearance and learn why she is now being chased, she is left with only one choice…RUN. Raul is trying to escape his past and the nightmares that haunt him. Only by returning into the jungle and back to his true home will he be able to free himself from the burden that he carries. When their paths cross in the jungle their stories become inexplicably linked with Maya’s scientific father seemingly working with an illegal logging company who are responsible for the deaths that haunt Raul and the responsibility he bears for causing them. Working together they must navigate issues of friendship and trust in their search for the truth and to stop the effects of corruption spreading even further.

The story is told from a dual perspective, switching between the individual stories of Raul and Maya. I really enjoyed this way of telling the story as as a reader you get to experience the surroundings, emotions and actions from both characters point of view. As Raul and Maya’s stories become more and more closely intertwined it almost feels as if one voice is telling the story.

Daykin captures the sights, smells, sounds and textures of the rainforest perfectly, her descriptions are vivid and real. She seamlessly weaves the modern with the myths and legends of the past and brings to life the spiritual connection between humans and nature. So much so that when Maya starts glowing it is easy to accept as a reader as it seems perfectly appropriate for such a thing to happen within the world that Daykin has created.

Fire Girl, Forest Boy is a gripping adventure story full of twists and turns with environmentalism and just a hint of magic at its heart. Whilst this is a work of fiction the issues raised in it are very real. Deforestation and illegal logging is rife and people will continue to be involved in the trade whilst there is money to be made. Daykin has cleverly explored the exploitation of land and how it leads to the loss of culture and identity.

A great read for readers of 9+. Particularly suited for readers who have an interest in the Amazon rainforest and for fans of Katherine Rundell’s ‘The Explorer’.

[Jenny Caddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning story from this brilliant author. In this Peruvian set adventure Chloe Daykin takes the reader on a danger filled adventure alongside young Scottish girl Maya and young Peruvian native boy Raul. Maya’s scientist father has, it seems, become involved in working with a huge, greedy logging company. The same company who seem responsible for the destruction of Raul’s village and implicit in causing the deaths that haunt him and his family and friends. When Maya’s father disappears in the middle of the jungle, Maya must use her wits and her uncover her hidden strengths to survive and discover who is behind his disappearance and why she is being chased down too.
Raul and Maya’s paths collide in the jungle and they must learn to trust each other in order to stop corruption creeping onwards and threatening the landscape around them even further. In the midst of the harsh truths about the cost of progress and the struggles it causes, the author creates vivid and lush, rich descriptions of the jungle. The reader is completely enclosed in the jungle humidity, sights, smells and textures and also in the past and the myths, legends and beliefs of jungle life. So when Maya herself seems to glow with strange lights that appear magical and protective ,it seems perfectly natural and yet wonderous.
Daykin uses a clever dual narrative by these two characters to tell their story and the reader sees the surroundings, the issues , the emotions from both points of view. As Raul and Maya grow closer and learn to put their faith in each other, their voices flow into each other’s seamlessly and add to the pace and emotion of the story. A thought provoking, often nail biting adventure full of mystery, warmth, heart and a strong sense of conscience. My absolute favourite of Chloe Daykin’s books so far. Look forward to the next one already!

[Safaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a great storyline, although the book is slow and quite boring in the beginning it starts to get more interesting after reading a few chapters. I like how it switched from one character's P.O.V (Point Of View) to another character's P.O.V. I also like how almost every character had their own secrets and they weren't revealed towards the end of the book. I would've rated this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars however the rating feature does not let do half a star. I think the age group for this book would be 11-13yr olds. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes about friendship, mysteries and happy endings!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hugely engaging and enjoyable story which twists and turns like the river flowing through the Peruvian rainforest where the story is set. The atmospheric setting sees Maya and Raul's paths collide in order to stop the illegal environmental activities that occur. Told through alternating chapters in a dual-narrative, the characters' morals burn through strongly and give the reader stark questions to consider throughout.

I loved the setting and the accompanying vibrant vocabulary. I must read Chloe Daykin's other two books on the back of this.

[Caroline Dougan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told in a dual narrative from the perspective of the two main characters, Maya and Raul, two youths from different backgrounds who find themselves fighting for the same cause. The short chapters swap between the two perspectives, making the story engaging and difficult to put down. Children would really enjoy the magic/ spiritual side to the story while also exploring weighty themes such as culture, change/ loss of culture, morality and fighting for a cause.

[Archie Van Dijk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This text engages the readers attention from the start. Daykin uses a dual narrative text to create a journey full of excitement, suspense and emotion. It is a book with multiple themes that can be transferred into a classroom environment to create a brilliant learning journey.

I highly recommend this book as it is a enjoyable read with some twists and turns, and as a trainee teacher, is a text I will be using in lessons in the future.

[Christina Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read y this author, but I will be looking up her other books now too.
I loved the Peruvian setting and the environmental focus, as well as the natural way multilingualism is portrayed. I found the short chapters engaging, though I did want to spend a bit more time with each character sometimes.
Very original book, with lots of opportunity for discussion.

[Bernadette Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Fire Girl, Forest Boy“, Chloe Daykin has written a pacey, gripping story.
Maya and Raul, the two narrators, are both searching for answers,. Maya’s father has disappeared, Raul has witnessed the destruction of his rainforest home.
Do read it, you won’t have any regrets.

[Wickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nettes Kinderbuch. Insbesondere anfangs aber etwas gewöhnungsbedürftig, da fast alle Kapitel lediglich drei Seiten haben. Ich fand es sehr schade, dass sie schlussendlich Mayas Mutter NICHT finden. Das hätte die Autorin uns doch schenken können. Ist ja schliesslich ein Kinderbuch.

[Paula Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this action packed adventure. It is written in a style that is fast paced and ensures the reader feels art of the story. There are a few 'hold your breath' moments. I will be using this alongside other texts in our rainforest topic.

[K Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was great and I enjoyed the characters and their back story. Sadly, I found the structure too choppy and sometimes hard to follow even though I usually enjoy POV switches or whatever that’s called

[Emma Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Great pace, beautifully written and kept me enthralled until the last page. Learnt a lot about Peru too!

[Edy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two days and for me how quickly I read a book shows me how good it is. An amazing adventure across Peru.

[Oj Akhigbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book with a great pace. An intense, yet palatable insight into illegal logging and the journeys of those who try to protect the lungs of the earth.

The cover art is also majestic.

[Elizabeth Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't quite like the style of writing, good story though. 2 and a half stars

[Parvati Rotherham · Rating 5 out of 5]

great kids book for 8-12 year olds. Awesome adventure story with magic.

[Jill McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rain forest adventure written from the perspective of two main characters. It was very readable but I was left with so many unanswered questions that I felt need to be finished.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: 3.5 stars

This book was set in Peru, based around illegal logging and two children who have been caught up in the issue.
I enjoyed the book, but it did feel quite disjointed at times.

[Jung Sweety · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's good but not for people that they hate waste there time

[Bethlyn Allmey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Would highly recommend using with a Y5/Y6 class, I was hooked right away. The book really makes magic come to life and the characters are brilliant.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An incredibly fast-paced novel with a really important debate about activism and environmentalism at the heart of it.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is full of Amazonian and Peruvian detail - wildlife, customs etc and introduces the issues surrounding illegal logging in an effective way. However, the present tense informal voices, write-as- you-speak style does rather take away from the idea that you are in the Peruvian rainforest rather than Britain. There is limited difference between the two voices - one a girl from Scotland and the other a boy from an indigenous village in Peru. This stretches credulity, particularly as Raul has learned English from his mother and some tourists so is unlikely to speak English in exactly the same way as Maya. The magical realism, on the other hand, was convincing and at times lovely. The problem remains: we have to teach children to recognise the difference between written and spoken English and to write in the appropriate register. A book where many of the sentences are in fact subordinate clauses and a regular opener is "Me and Maya . . . " or "Me and Raul . . ." is not going to inculcate good writing skills, however strong the plot may be.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should definitely have written a review after reading it, because I can't remember a thing about it other than that it was okay and there was content that I didn't like for a kids' book.

What I did note down at the time was that:
Switching perspectives every chapter, when each chapter is already very short, felt too disjointed to me. I would have preferred a few chapters with each perspective, and then you can keep a good pace and not lose the momentum.

CW:
- Kicking someone in the balls. p21
- Swearing gesture p100
- Talking about periods and piranhas and other unmentionable things, but they mention them...
- 'Crap'