47 Degrees

by Justin D'Ath

Zeelie wonders if they’re in danger. When temperatures soar to 47 degrees one hot summer day, 12-year-old Zeelie hopes the nearby bushfires everyone’s talking about aren’t heading towards her family’s new home. What will they do if the wind changes direction? What about their belongings and their beloved pets? And why hasn’t her mum and brother returned from Melbourne?Nothing can prepare Zeelie for what’s to come.

Genres: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Adventure, Contemporary, Survival, Family, Australia

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2019

About the author

One of twelve children, Justin grew up on a farm in Otaki, New Zealand. He wrote his first book, a ten page cartoon about his pet turtle, Bubble, when he was nine years old. His next cartoon was about Moriarty, his guinea pig, and filled a complete exercise book. When he was eleven, Justin began writing his first novel, but conked out after 35 pages.


Justin D’Ath is the author of over 30 books for children and young adults, including the hugely popular Extreme Adventures series. Other books include Astrid Spark, Fixologist, The Skyflower, Robbie and the Dolphins, Infamous, and Why did the Chykkan cross the Galaxy?


Justin says: ‘My main message is, Enjoy reading

Reviews

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: graphic catastrophic bushfire, animal death, death, refugees due to natural disaster.

Holy hell, this was brutal. As someone who experienced Black Saturday in the most lowkey of ways (by which I mean I had to go outside in Melbourne that say and then I flew from Melbourne to Canberra over the fires), D'Ath did a fantastic job of capturing the way that people slowly began to realise that this wasn't just any bushfire.

The animal death side of things was more brutal than I anticipated, and while I could have done without the "oooh I met a cute boy from school" side of things in the middle of a story about escaping from the deadliest bushfire in Victoria's history, but at the same time it was kind of nice to have something to lighten the mood.

Also, elements of the story are inspired by the near complete destruction of D'Ath's property in the same fires so I guess he definitely knows what he's talking about on the front...

[Julie Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reading copy of this book.
With the 10 year anniversary quickly approaching, this is a timely and important book for kids of today. Justin speaks from what he knows in 47 Degrees, creating a young girl experiencing the bushfires based on his own experience of that day.
I am not ashamed to admit it...I sprung a leak whilst reading, once or twice. It is a very emotional look at a day and an experience that the majority of us have never contemplated, yet experienced. Zeelie's fears about what is happening, about why Dad is not taking in what is happening are very real and come off the page into your life. She knows something is not right but because Dad is confident all will be okay, Zeelie does not understand the importance, let alone the very danger, she is in.
We also experience what it is to be displaced, to not know what is happening or where your family is. The scene with the Baker and the pies just about broke my heart. The story reminds us that even in the face of tragedy, there is good in the world. Justin looks at what life was like for this small family in the days and weeks following the bushfire. Just because the fire was out, didn't mean it was over.
47 Degrees is a book that will belong on the school curriculum in the years to come, just as Jodie's Journey was. It is important to never forget how quickly things can change and how brave we need to be in the face of adversity. This book will be great for kids 13+. I would say 10+ providing they are a strong independant reader or have a parent alongside them as some of the content is scary and devastating.

[Barbara Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully written. Gives people an insight on what people went through in 2009 with horrible Black Saturday Bush fires. The characters were good and made you feel all the emotions with them.
Can’t believe the February 7th will be 10 years since it happened. Lets hope it doesn’t happen again
Definitely a good book to read.

[Suzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was interesting - to write about the Black Saturday bushfires from a teen's perspective

[Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thrilling read that brought together all the fear, confusion, tragedy and uncertainty of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in which 173 people lost their lives. The ‘Stay and Defend’ policy which Zeelie’s dad is so determined to implement is exposed for what it was - a policy which put property above people’s lives. A lot of lessons were learned that day.

It is also an inspirational tale, showing how people rally in the threat of disaster. Strangers’ kindnesses help the whole community and go some way to help alleviate the suffering of those who have lost everything but their lives.

Zeelie is a great character - she’s nearly 13 and she feels that her childhood needs to be left behind, but, in the face of overwhelming fear, all she wants is her Mum! She’s very believable.

In the end, though, this is Justin’s story. His own experiences and memories. And the book is all the more poignant for that.

[Linley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been a fan of D'Ath's writing and this is no exception. He is telling the story through the eyes of a 12 year old but if you flick to the back of the book you will see pictures of his house and his dogs as they were after the fire. A valuable addition to our library.

Highly recommended to Year 7-10 (ages 11-15), especially dog lovers!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A fast-paced and poignant novel of survival for young readers by Justin D’Ath that draws on his own experience of escaping the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires.

Zeelie wonders if they’re in danger.
When temperatures soar to 47 degrees one hot summer day, 12-year-old Zeelie hopes the neraby bushfires everyone’s talking about aren’t heading towards her family’s new home. What will they do if the wind changes direction? What about their belongings and their beloved pets? And why hasn’t her mum and brother returned from Melbourne? Nothing can prepare Zeelie for what’s to come.

New Zealand born, but Aussie-covert, Justin D’Ath has written over fifty books for adults and children alike. 47 Degrees is his brand new release and perhaps one of his most poignant and personal to date.

The Firestorms that ripped through Melbourne on the 7th February 2009 are infamous for all the wrong reasons. Hundred of lives were lost, several hectares of bush land were burnt to the ground, with countless homes and properties erased in the space of hours. Warning systems couldn’t keep up with unprecedented weather conditions, and thousands were trapped in deadly situations as numerous fire plans failed, roads closed and the winds changed directions with fatal consequences.

These fires are in living memory and while I don’t reside in Melbourne, I doubt any Australian would forget the impact this day had on the nation as a whole. I’ve studied this particular firestorm in great detail for my thesis back when I was at University, and so I was intrigued by this new fictional account of the Black Saturday Fires written for young readers.

47 Degrees centers around Zeelie, a twelve year-old (almost thirteen) girl who was with her father Dan (Dan The Pump Man) at their family home in Flowerdale when the firestorm hit. With her mother Jasmine (Jas) and younger brother Lauchlan (Lachy) in Melbourne during the fires outbreak, Zeelie and Dan are left to defend the family home alone. Dan thinks he has it all under control, but Zeelie doesn’t share her father’s confidence. What follows is an intense few hours where Dan and Zeelie must make crucial decisions that could cost them their life.

While D’Ath goes to great lengths to stress that Zeelie’s story is fictional, her experiences are based on his own when he too found his family home under attack by the very same firestorm. He has even gone as far as to include personal photos documenting the destruction the firestorm on D’Ath’s very own family home in the paperback’s final pages. D’Ath’s insight and the inclusion of these photos strengthen the fictional narrative by shedding light on D’Ath’s unique experiences and perspective, while also creating a easy in and discussion point for younger readers with teachers and parents alike.

The story itself is harrowing, fast paced and terrifying to read. In fact, I found 47 Degrees stressful to read at times, as I started to panic and become increasingly anxious by the choices Dan and Zeelie were making. It’s also a brilliant reminder to just about everyone for the need to have an up to date and well thought out fire plan that clearly defines expectations, what to grab and what the plans are if you are planning to stay and defend. In this regard the narratives exists to educate readers of all ages, without a distinct preachy tone, making it all that more appealing and open to the reader.

What I think I like the most about 47 Degrees is that D’Ath has held nothing back. The novel takes place over a relatively short period of time; with the narrative starts on Saturday and most of the stories action taking place that afternoon, in to the evening and the following day (with a short mention of a week or two later in the very last chapter). This incredibly fast pacing, puts the reader right in the middle of the action and panic that the characters felt. Everything becomes hyper real and the catastrophic reality of what one misstep could mean, is evident on the page. A point further highlighted by D’Ath’s choice to place Zeelie’s mother Jas and her younger brother Lachy out of town and out of reach by phone. This gives the narrative an added level of stress, depth and emotional vulnerability; all of which heighten the story’s impact without coming off as contrite or a plot point.

47 Degrees is a honest, raw and poignant reminder of the ever present danger of bush fires, summer and living in rural areas populated by dense and dry vegetation. It could have been set anywhere however, for the risk to homes and society is just as great in the suburbs as it is ‘out in the country.’ It’s the perfect introduction for young readers to experience the chaos and devastation of loss (both physically, emotionally, and mentally) in regards to their homes, families, pets and sense of security all from the safety of their lounge chair. It’s a narrative designed to ask questions and prepare future generations, all the while keeping them turn the page desperate to know if Zeelie and Dan make it out alive. It reminds readers in stark detail what could happen when you are both unprepared, caught of guard and when weather systems act erratically and without warning.

With summer in full force, and a vicious heatwave still wrecking havoc across the entire country, 47 Degrees is a brilliant and stark reminder of the reality of bush fires and what one needs to do and understand about them. It’s a book I think every Australian needs to read this summer. Who knows it might help save a life or two in the future." https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

No one ends up dying; but, the horses do die and this is a huge loss to Zeelie. I also liked the friendship which she struck up with a 14 year old boy in Seymour, whilst they were taking shelter.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Zealand born, but Aussie-covert, Justin D'Ath has written over fifty books for adults and children alike. 47 Degrees is his brand new release and perhaps one of his most poignant and personal to date.

The Firestorms that ripped through Melbourne on the 7th February 2009 are infamous for all the wrong reasons. Hundred of lives were lost, several hectares of bush land were burnt to the ground, with countless homes and properties erased in the space of hours. Warning systems couldn't keep up with unprecedented weather conditions, and thousands were trapped in deadly situations as numerous fire plans failed, roads closed and the winds changed directions with fatal consequences.

These fires are in living memory and while I don't reside in Melbourne, I doubt any Australian would forget the impact this day had on the nation as a whole. I've studied this particular firestorm in great detail for my thesis back when I was at University, and so I was intrigued by this new fictional account of the Black Saturday Fires written for young readers.

47 Degrees centers around Zeelie, a twelve year-old (almost thirteen) girl who was with her father Dan (Dan The Pump Man) at their family home in Flowerdale when the firestorm hit. With her mother Jasmine (Jas) and younger brother Lauchlan (Lachy) in Melbourne during the fires outbreak, Zeelie and Dan are left to defend the family home alone. Dan thinks he has it all under control, but Zeelie doesn't share her father's confidence. What follows is an intense few hours where Dan and Zeelie must make crucial decisions that could cost them their life.

While D'Ath goes to great lengths to stress that Zeelie's story is fictional, her experiences are based on his own when he too found his family home under attack by the very same firestorm. He has even gone as far as to include personal photos documenting the destruction the firestorm on D'Ath's very own family home in the paperback's final pages. D'Ath's insight and the inclusion of these photos strengthen the fictional narrative by shedding light on D'Ath's unique experiences and perspective, while also creating a easy in and discussion point for younger readers with teachers and parents alike.

The story itself is harrowing, fast paced and terrifying to read. In fact, I found 47 Degrees stressful to read at times, as I started to panic and become increasingly anxious by the choices Dan and Zeelie were making. It's also a brilliant reminder to just about everyone for the need to have an up to date and well thought out fire plan that clearly defines expectations, what to grab and what the plans are if you are planning to stay and defend. In this regard the narratives exists to educate readers of all ages, without a distinct preachy tone, making it all that more appealing and open to the reader.

What I think I like the most about 47 Degrees is that D'Ath has held nothing back. The novel takes place over a relatively short period of time; with the narrative starts on Saturday and most of the stories action taking place that afternoon, in to the evening and the following day (with a short mention of a week or two later in the very last chapter). This incredibly fast pacing, puts the reader right in the middle of the action and panic that the characters felt. Everything becomes hyper real and the catastrophic reality of what one misstep could mean, is evident on the page. A point further highlighted by D'Ath's choice to place Zeelie's mother Jas and her younger brother Lachy out of town and out of reach by phone. This gives the narrative an added level of stress, depth and emotional vulnerability; all of which heighten the story's impact without coming off as contrite or a plot point.

47 Degrees is a honest, raw and poignant reminder of the ever present danger of bush fires, summer and living in rural areas populated by dense and dry vegetation. It could have been set anywhere however, for the risk to homes and society is just as great in the suburbs as it is 'out in the country.' It's the perfect introduction for young readers to experience the chaos and devastation of loss (both physically, emotionally, and mentally) in regards to their homes, families, pets and sense of security all from the safety of their lounge chair. It's a narrative designed to ask questions and prepare future generations, all the while keeping them turn the page desperate to know if Zeelie and Dan make it out alive. It reminds readers in stark detail what could happen when you are both unprepared, caught of guard and when weather systems act erratically and without warning.

With summer in full force, and a vicious heatwave still wrecking havoc across the entire country, 47 Degrees is a brilliant and stark reminder of the reality of bush fires and what one needs to do and understand about them. It's a book I think every Australian needs to read this summer. Who knows it might help save a life or two in the future.

This review was originally posted at The Never Ending Bookshelf on the 25.1.19 and can be found here: https://wp.me/p3yY1u-1An

[Shes_a_book_geek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling story follows Zeelie and her family as they fight for survival during the Black Saturday Bushfires. Zeelie and her father Dan are getting ready to protect their home while the temperatures soar to 47 Degrees. Her mother and brother are safe at the hospital, seeking help for Zeelie’s brother Lachy who has a suspected broken bone after falling off her beloved horse, Rimu.

While Zeelie and her dad prepare the house in Flowerdale, a small town in Victoria, there are many moments of uncertainty, fear and questions – many of which go unanswered. When Dan realises that they can no longer stay and defend, the must do all that they can to protect themselves and their dogs. This creates even more conflict for Zeelie when she realises that she has to leave her much loved and adored horse Rimu behind.

It was really heartening to see, that regardless of what Zeelie comes up against, she shows fear and bravery, uncertainty and confidence, trauma and eventual respite. Even when she felt her lowest, she managed to keep going.

In a chapter titled Refugees, it was the first time I had heard the word being used in this context. I have always referred to refugees as people who are displaced from their homes internationally. However, Justin D’Ath uses the word when Zeelie’s father explains that they are now refugees because they have no place to go. I feel like the acknowledgement of this is where the book turned into a time of accepting their situation but by no means giving up the fight.

One of the most sensitively approached sections of the book is where they close out the storyline on Zeelie’s horse Rimu. Justin hasn’t gone into detail about the outcome specifically, but it was clear what happened. I felt that Justin thought about how the reader might react and dealt with it in a way that wouldn’t distress the reader.

Some parts of this book were confronting for me as an adult, mainly because I felt a great sadness for those that were affected by the events of this bush fire ten years ago. It is the honesty and openness of the author that has given me insight into the realities of Black Saturday, and because of this the book is a real tribute to those affected by it.

Reading this book together as a family would be a good opportunity to answer any questions your child has and for them to talk about their feelings about it. It is one of those must reads even if you aren’t a child. I certainly gained a lot out of reading it and I hope you do too. Thank you, Justin, for putting your heart and soul into something so personal.

[Sara Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because my son’s class is reading it at school and it sounded interesting so I borrowed a copy.
It’s a brilliantly told story of the Black Saturday Fires in Victoria, north of Melbourne on February 7th 2009.
Like most Victorians I remember exactly where I was when I heard the story about the fires early on Sunday morning, the 8th of February. I was glued to the news hearing the terrifying reality of what had happened. I was very safe in my home town of Geelong. I couldn’t help but to think of the fear all those people had felt at the ferocity of that frightening day.
This story reminded me of my thoughts on that day as it took me right into the heart of Black Saturday. Told from Zeelie’s (a 12 year old girl) point of view it gives a unique perspective to its readers. Young enough to be naive, but old enough to be aware of what was happening.
The love Zeelie has for the forest she lives in and the animals, both wild and domestic, was beautiful. Her frustrations were realistic of that of an almost teenager. She made mistakes that were hard to read, she also made some courageous decisions that helped both her father and herself survive. I could feel her fear as if it was my own and I cried with her when she found who she was looking for, and when she found out that not everyone she loved had survived.
Very easy to read, perfect for young readers. Stories like this should be remembered, not only for the people who lost their lives, but for the survivors who became displaced, lost all their belongings and had to find a way to live on.
I highly recommend this to all young readers and adults, especially Victorians who, like me, remember where they were when they heard the news and they tried to imagine how terrifying this event would have been.
Thanks to the author for providing his story of what happened to his house and for putting his dogs in the novel for Zeelie to care for.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. It is moving, compelling, insightful - and based on the author's own tragic experience of losing his home in the 2009 Black Saturday fires at Flowerdale in country Victoria. We experience the chaos and confusion of the approaching fire, through the eyes of 12 year old Zeelie. Her father's fire plan is to 'stay and defend' their brand new home - but a constant unravelling begins when Zeelie's mother and injured brother drive off that morning to a Melbourne hospital, leaving their mobile phone at home; when Zeelie's Dad's generators and defences begin to break down under ferocious conditions; when Zeelie takes enormous risks to help pets and her beautiful horse; when communications totally break down and there is no radio news about their local area - despite the inferno that ultimately surrounds them. Zeelie's story is so realistically and sensitively written, that the reality of the fires for so many that day, and before and since, is driven home in a very poignant way. The skilful nature of the writing, particularly the ending, makes this an incredibly powerful and even hopeful book - hopeful in that, the sharing of this story may very well help someone in a similar situation in the future, simply by building their knowledge and insights.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I remember Victoria's Black Saturday vividly with the horrific destruction the fires caused. 47 Degrees brought those memories back. The reader follows 12-year-old Keelie on that fateful day as the firestorm hits Flowerdale. While D'Ath stresses that 47 Degrees is a work of fiction, it is still based on his own experiences and includes photos of his fire ravaged home and his two whippets, and Holly, who play a major role in this book.

47 Degrees is a frightening read, and I was especially concerned with the father's decision to stay because he thought his fire plan would keep the family safe. Thankfully, Keelie and her father left just in time and escaped to Yea. Throughout the story, it was impossible not to admire Keelie's courage, level-headedness and determination, despite her growing dread.

Although this book is confronting and clearly shows the devastation, terror and loss so many Victorians faced that day, it also demonstrates the beauty of community spirit and the kindness of strangers.

47 Degrees is a sold read for older primary students.

[Tracey Washington-lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

47 Degrees. Feb 7 2009. The worst bushfires in Australian recorded history. 173 people died. 2000 homes burnt down. I remember this day clearly and the stories of our friends and co-workers many of whom were directly impacted. Arriving early at work on Monday morning while Senior staff arrived and started working through the process of contacting staff they knew lived in the affected areas. As well as talking to staff who had been called in to assist or had family who had suffered injury or trauma.
I like that Justin D’Ath wrote this junior fiction using his own story and experience while creating a fictional character who was impacted like many other young people on that day. The loss of a family home, neighbours homes and a treasured pet. This book should be read in schools. An important piece of our recent history and the affect the conditions can cause.

[Anita Wu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really odd one to review for me.

I didn't like it, plain and simple. I didn't find it particularly engaging and didn't feel compelled to continue with it except fir the fact that it's quite short.

BUT i think it's a really important piece of writing and think that it would make a wonderful and enlightening school text for Australian teens (maybe around 14 yo). It tells a good narrative of what it means to be in a horrid situation regarding bushfires and does a great job detailing to danger they pose to homes, people, and animals.

So overall i think it's an exceptionally important read for young Australians and a vital piece of literature that was desperately needed to fill a gap in the market. It just hasn't been for me.

[Melanie Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book and poignant for those many people who were and have been affected by bushfires. I always had a leave early plan and left for a relatives in Melbourne on the day Justin describes so well. The kindness of strangers is a major part of what I take from these disasters and always brings tears to my eyes. This too Justin has described, as well as the conflicting emotions involved. I can imagine it would have been hard to write but appreciate that he did and that I was brave enough to read it.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a substitute teacher and I had to read some of this for a class I was taking for a week. Liked it so much, I got hold of a copy to finish it. I lived through Black Saturday and was granted here a realistic glimpse into what it was like for the worst-affected areas.

Our own area had fires, that jumped 7 lanes of Burwood Hwy and started to burn the back fences of the houses opposite us before the Country Fire Authority put it out. Our trampoline was ruined by ember holes. Want my 14yo to read it as I was pregnant with her on Black Saturday…

[AD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important story which helps the reader to understand what it was like to experience the Black Saturday bushfires from the perspective of 13-year old Zeliee. It captures the immensity of loss, and also the amazing community spirit, in a way that is readable and relatable for young people from around Year 5 and up.

[Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is one of the best books I’ve read yet.
It is interesting to see from a teen who didn’t know everything about the bushfires, evacuating and surviving. The relief centers, the bakery store, they all are from the author’s point of view where the author themself lived through most of these things, and the way he puts his memories into another person’s point of view.
Definitely a good read.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely thrilling (terrifying in some parts) story about a family’s experience during the 2009 Black Saturday fires in Victoria. Whilst the text itself is an easy read, the content is quite graphic as it describes the devastating losses experienced by so many people during this fire.

[Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale about a young year 7 girls experience of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires. An important piece of literature for young readers, attempting to fill the current gap in literature as well as being published prior to the 10th year anniversary.
A quick read, would be great for 12 - 15 year olds.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for upper Primary/Lower Secondary about the Black Saturday bushfires in Australia in 2009. Loved the way in which D'Ath shows human kindness and the telling on the story through the eyes of a 13 year old girl.

[Tracy Doig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very gripping account of the black Saturday bushfires from a young girls perspective. Couldn't put it down. Interesting, somewhat flawed characters. The fact it is based on the real life experience of the author gives it power.

[Delphi☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A awesome creation running from black Saturday. Black Saturday was a terrible day . Zeelie was very brave her courage in the face of the on coming fire it was very brave to stay and defend some people ran . Even if zeelie's dad fire plan didn't quite work . Being a refugee would be very tuff and especially losing Rimu (her horse ) having to leave him behind .

[Samara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great novel for an upper primary child. It is a well-paced story of survival that addresses a range of topics suitable for children as they mature, with a side of subtle bush fire education.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great simple story of a family living through a horrendous Australia tragedy. 11+

[Leonie Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 4 1/2 stars

[Maria Borghesi · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this book is about the power of community and hope.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author lost his home in the Black Saturday Fire. His novel is based on his experiences on that day and the days after.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced story that kept me engaged. Great resource for middle/upper primary school. Would be a good read aloud. This book would generate a lot of class discussion.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Black Saturday book for kids I've come across and it's very well done. Good for the middle primary ages.