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I Escaped
I Escaped the California Camp Fire: California's Deadliest Fire
A gripping look at the 2018 California Camp Fire disaster through the eyes of one brave boy—written by Northern California native and popular mystery author SD Brown and bestselling children's historical fiction author, Scott Peters.
When 14-year-old Troy’s parents leave him in charge overnight, he has no idea his life in Paradise is about to change. Unaware of any danger, Troy and his kid sister dive into a huge junk-food-feast and watch movies until 2 am.
When Troy's dog, Rascal, jerks him awake at 9 am, he's shocked to see that it's black as night outside. How can that be? Then he gets a bunch of panicked texts from his best friend.
The first reads—i see flames
The second—get out of town
The last—NOW!!!!!!
Terror slingshots down Troy's spine. He sprints to the neighbor’s house, only to have Mrs. Jones tell him to stay put. Wildfires happen all the time. The firemen will come.
But will they?
He can see flames racing toward their homes.
Unable to reach his parents, and with a kid sister, a dog, and a cat to protect, he knows he has to act. How can he get them all to safety? They'll never be able to outrun the fire on foot. He has to make a decision, fast.
Does he have what it takes to escape?
Set in Paradise, Butte County, California during the November 2018 wildfire natural disaster, this kids' inspirational book is based on witness accounts and hours of research. The Camp Fire was California's biggest forest fire, and the sixth biggest wildfire in American history.
A study guide is available
For readers 9 and up.
This is the 2nd book in the I Escaped Series about brave kids who face real world challenges and find ways to escape.
If you like New York Times Bestseller Lauren Tarshis's I Survived Series, you'll love the I Escaped Series.
When 14-year-old Troy’s parents leave him in charge overnight, he has no idea his life in Paradise is about to change. Unaware of any danger, Troy and his kid sister dive into a huge junk-food-feast and watch movies until 2 am.
When Troy's dog, Rascal, jerks him awake at 9 am, he's shocked to see that it's black as night outside. How can that be? Then he gets a bunch of panicked texts from his best friend.
The first reads—i see flames
The second—get out of town
The last—NOW!!!!!!
Terror slingshots down Troy's spine. He sprints to the neighbor’s house, only to have Mrs. Jones tell him to stay put. Wildfires happen all the time. The firemen will come.
But will they?
He can see flames racing toward their homes.
Unable to reach his parents, and with a kid sister, a dog, and a cat to protect, he knows he has to act. How can he get them all to safety? They'll never be able to outrun the fire on foot. He has to make a decision, fast.
Does he have what it takes to escape?
Set in Paradise, Butte County, California during the November 2018 wildfire natural disaster, this kids' inspirational book is based on witness accounts and hours of research. The Camp Fire was California's biggest forest fire, and the sixth biggest wildfire in American history.
A study guide is available
For readers 9 and up.
This is the 2nd book in the I Escaped Series about brave kids who face real world challenges and find ways to escape.
If you like New York Times Bestseller Lauren Tarshis's I Survived Series, you'll love the I Escaped Series.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2019
186 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 4, 2023
3.5 stars 🌟
*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *
*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *
June 29, 2019
I read this book in an hour! It grabs hold of you and doesn't let go until you finish.
As a graduate of Chico State University, I was devastated by the Camp Fire. We used to say, "Chico is so close to heaven you can see Paradise." Watching Paradise burn to the ground in a matter of hours was heartbreaking. Now, as a therapist, I've worked with a family completely displaced by their fire and heard their stories which are heart-wrenchingly similar to that in the book.
I would not recommend this book to that family...yet. But, I would recommend it to everybody else, especially those who have lived near Paradise, who loved someone who was affected by that or any fire. It will help people understand the PTSD that follows, and the many layers of grief, loss, and displacement. And, in a year or two, I'd recommend this book to those displaced by the fire. Plus, there are interesting facts and guides in the back of the book to help discuss the issues of fires, etc.
As a graduate of Chico State University, I was devastated by the Camp Fire. We used to say, "Chico is so close to heaven you can see Paradise." Watching Paradise burn to the ground in a matter of hours was heartbreaking. Now, as a therapist, I've worked with a family completely displaced by their fire and heard their stories which are heart-wrenchingly similar to that in the book.
I would not recommend this book to that family...yet. But, I would recommend it to everybody else, especially those who have lived near Paradise, who loved someone who was affected by that or any fire. It will help people understand the PTSD that follows, and the many layers of grief, loss, and displacement. And, in a year or two, I'd recommend this book to those displaced by the fire. Plus, there are interesting facts and guides in the back of the book to help discuss the issues of fires, etc.
August 13, 2019
What I liked about this book is that it can be read with the real California fire in mind, or purely as a story. And that it is both a good story and a well written one. And the quip about organic-this and hummus-that (I feel you).
Troy, who is fourteen, and his younger sister Emma are left home alone for a night by their parents. After a late night junk food and movie splurge, Troy and Emma wake up to find that the electricity's out, the sky is black with smoke, and everyone's left town. What would you do?
Troy, who is fourteen, and his younger sister Emma are left home alone for a night by their parents. After a late night junk food and movie splurge, Troy and Emma wake up to find that the electricity's out, the sky is black with smoke, and everyone's left town. What would you do?
July 1, 2019
Fast paced and fascinating book with exciting, yet devastating plot. Perfect read for 4th graders. Book was written about a boy's heroic efforts to save his sister and pet's from the quickly spreading, dangerous wildfires of CA. The young man shows maturity in putting his own fears aside to think quickly and make big decisions.
I really enjoyed this read and recommend this book to young readers, especially those living in CA during the 2019 CA Camp Fire.
Thank you to Library Thing and Best Day Books for the free ARC of I Escaped the California Camp Fire, in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this read and recommend this book to young readers, especially those living in CA during the 2019 CA Camp Fire.
Thank you to Library Thing and Best Day Books for the free ARC of I Escaped the California Camp Fire, in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2019
Fast Pace Scary Read
A short read that grabs your heart strings from the beginning and doesn't stop until the very end. You can feel the terror, the fear, the fire and smell the smoke as the kids run for their lives. You cheer the kids on scared for them and the pets. My heart racing, tears forming, worry working its way in, do they make it? Read this book to find out. Kudos to the authors for excellent writing. A book all should read and discuss with their families!!!
A short read that grabs your heart strings from the beginning and doesn't stop until the very end. You can feel the terror, the fear, the fire and smell the smoke as the kids run for their lives. You cheer the kids on scared for them and the pets. My heart racing, tears forming, worry working its way in, do they make it? Read this book to find out. Kudos to the authors for excellent writing. A book all should read and discuss with their families!!!
June 29, 2019
When his parents planned a trip and left him in charge of his little sister Emma for the night, fourteen-year-old Troy expected to pig out on junk food, and binge watch TV. What he didn’t expect was to be rudely awakened by his dog. Though it was just 9:15 in the morning, everything was smoky dark due to an oncoming fire. Read the rest of the review on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
July 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was very suspenseful and not too scary for kids. It was really interesting to read of an event that occurred so recently as a lot of these types of books are written about events that happened before the kids it's aimed at were born. I was not aware of the California Camp Fire before reading this book.
The book has lots of discussion points and would make a good read aloud, especially to talk about the choices the kids made and what the reader would have done in the same situation.
The book has lots of discussion points and would make a good read aloud, especially to talk about the choices the kids made and what the reader would have done in the same situation.
October 11, 2019
6 star book
i don't remember a book w/so much suspense or that read so fast.
second book recently read that shows the bad side of old people. There are about three pages early in the book about an old stubborn woman who almost costs the kids their lives (don't think that a spoiler cause the series ix called "I Escaped") because of her arrogance. i know these people exist, at times i'm one of them. Good conversation point for kids having this read to them or in a child parent book study.
i don't remember a book w/so much suspense or that read so fast.
second book recently read that shows the bad side of old people. There are about three pages early in the book about an old stubborn woman who almost costs the kids their lives (don't think that a spoiler cause the series ix called "I Escaped") because of her arrogance. i know these people exist, at times i'm one of them. Good conversation point for kids having this read to them or in a child parent book study.
April 23, 2024
A middle school story I buddy read with my grandson. Easily a book that could be read by a second or third grader on up. Short, quick chapters and suspenseful throughout. A fiction story built around a real event. I liked that it included many facts about the fire at the end of the book. My grandson enjoyed this one a lot more than I did. I enjoyed reading it but it was a bit simplistic for me.
June 29, 2020
Non-stop suspense when an extraordinary disaster strikes on an ordinary day! I loved reading this story, a survival adventure tale for middle school students with loads of conflict. As a former middle school teacher, I read with an eye towards what my students would have experienced while reading this book. I liked the historical fiction aspect of the plot and found the characters relatable and sympathetic. Both boys and girls would stay engaged in this book, and it is suitable for either silent reading or a whole class activity.
This book contains a consistently suspenseful tone, interesting characters and enough cliffhanger plot twists to engage most middle school readers. The plot follows the hero’s journey format.
Kudos to the author for making the protagonist a few years older than the book’s audience. The Fourteen year old hero, Troy, encounters some adults who mean well, but like all the great dystopian stories, the adults are either too out of it to realize and adapt to the serious danger presented by the rapidly spreading fire, or they are too overwhelmed and have scant resources. Troy must make decisions about which adult rules to break and which rules to follow, sometimes being forced to double back and rethink earlier decisions where the life and death of his sister and pets are concerned. He rises to the challenges and trusts his instincts. These are the kinds of growth moments that all students must face when growing up, and they love putting themselves in the shoes of such a hero. Great read, I highly recommend this book!
This book contains a consistently suspenseful tone, interesting characters and enough cliffhanger plot twists to engage most middle school readers. The plot follows the hero’s journey format.
Kudos to the author for making the protagonist a few years older than the book’s audience. The Fourteen year old hero, Troy, encounters some adults who mean well, but like all the great dystopian stories, the adults are either too out of it to realize and adapt to the serious danger presented by the rapidly spreading fire, or they are too overwhelmed and have scant resources. Troy must make decisions about which adult rules to break and which rules to follow, sometimes being forced to double back and rethink earlier decisions where the life and death of his sister and pets are concerned. He rises to the challenges and trusts his instincts. These are the kinds of growth moments that all students must face when growing up, and they love putting themselves in the shoes of such a hero. Great read, I highly recommend this book!
July 1, 2019
A short yet poignant read, “I Escaped the California Camp Fire” by S.D. Brown and Scott Peters describes a young boy’s experiences with the devastating California Camp Fire. Waking up suddenly with her young sister in a morning blackened with ashes and smoke, Troy makes an uneven race against a raging fire. How he survives and manages to save his sister and the pets is one heroic tale.
I completed the book in one go because I simply could not put it down. The book constantly kept me on the edges of my seat. The authors portray a compelling account of the fire, leaving the readers horrified at the sheer enormity of the situation.
Troy’s character is particularly admirable. Since his parents were on a vacation, he had the sole responsibility of the household. His quick thinking and extreme presence of mind together save the day. The way he remains undaunted in the face of fatal adversity, helping his sister and the pets cope even when he is terrified himself, makes him quite a hero.
In addition to the main storyline, the book contains crucial information about the California Camp Fire and forest fires in general. It carefully elucidates the ‘why’s and ‘how’s behind the origin and excessively fast spreading of a forest fire. The narrative also includes necessary instructions on the precautionary measures to be taken and the emergency services to employ in case of such a scenario.
I completed the book in one go because I simply could not put it down. The book constantly kept me on the edges of my seat. The authors portray a compelling account of the fire, leaving the readers horrified at the sheer enormity of the situation.
Troy’s character is particularly admirable. Since his parents were on a vacation, he had the sole responsibility of the household. His quick thinking and extreme presence of mind together save the day. The way he remains undaunted in the face of fatal adversity, helping his sister and the pets cope even when he is terrified himself, makes him quite a hero.
In addition to the main storyline, the book contains crucial information about the California Camp Fire and forest fires in general. It carefully elucidates the ‘why’s and ‘how’s behind the origin and excessively fast spreading of a forest fire. The narrative also includes necessary instructions on the precautionary measures to be taken and the emergency services to employ in case of such a scenario.
May 15, 2020
It’s a bit difficult to describe, but this book had a somewhat sensationalist, weirdly old-fashioned tone—like those slightly educational old paperbacks you might find on the rotating racks of a school library. (The cover does nothing to dissuade this.)
“‘Banana boogers,’ he muttered, like they were magic words to banish the throbbing pain in his leg.”
^This was in there, for example.
An aside—
“If his parents had to move to the country, why hadn't they moved to the Central Valley near his grandparents?”
As someone who attended undergrad in the Central Valley (and whose family members lived there), I can’t imagine anyone wanting to move there…
Still, this was a fast-paced read, and the backmatter is good for historical context and further resources.
“‘Banana boogers,’ he muttered, like they were magic words to banish the throbbing pain in his leg.”
^This was in there, for example.
An aside—
“If his parents had to move to the country, why hadn't they moved to the Central Valley near his grandparents?”
As someone who attended undergrad in the Central Valley (and whose family members lived there), I can’t imagine anyone wanting to move there…
Still, this was a fast-paced read, and the backmatter is good for historical context and further resources.
December 10, 2020
Hits home
My family also survived this fire as well as losing neighbors, community members, our home, and belongings. Thankful to all the first responders and all those who rushed into those flames to try to save lives. It would have been so much worse without them.. Thank you
My family also survived this fire as well as losing neighbors, community members, our home, and belongings. Thankful to all the first responders and all those who rushed into those flames to try to save lives. It would have been so much worse without them.. Thank you
May 10, 2023
If you haven't read this book, you are missing out. It's dramatic and such a page-turner! I finished it in just an hour and a half because I couldn't put it down.
May 24, 2020
For a small book this packs a powerful punch. Fourteen-year-old Troy is left in charge of his younger sister while his parents are away for twenty-four hours. Troy wakes to his cell phone ringing, his dog tugging on his sleeve and pitch blackness. Unable to reach their parents Troy goes next door to the neighbor for advice. Mrs. Jones makes it clear they should stay put. When Troy sees houses on their street erupt in flames he decides they have to leave. Unfortunately he can’t convince Mrs. Jones. Troy loads up his sister and their two pets in their dad’s Bronco and heads for what he hopes is safety.
This book is full of realistic action between the older brother and younger sister. He takes his promise to his parents to protect his sister even when she becomes annoying. This is fast-paced, on the seat of your chair action from the very beginning. For those who are fans of the “I Survived “ series by Lauren Tarshis, I guarantee that you will enjoy this series. I highly recommend this to all adventure readers.
This book is full of realistic action between the older brother and younger sister. He takes his promise to his parents to protect his sister even when she becomes annoying. This is fast-paced, on the seat of your chair action from the very beginning. For those who are fans of the “I Survived “ series by Lauren Tarshis, I guarantee that you will enjoy this series. I highly recommend this to all adventure readers.
October 20, 2021
very interesting
I liked how this book was very exiting I couldn’t keep my eyes off the book. Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz😎 the requirement for twenty words stinks.
I liked how this book was very exiting I couldn’t keep my eyes off the book. Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz😎 the requirement for twenty words stinks.
January 9, 2022
What a great book.
January 14, 2025
A book for youth readers to enjoy. Suspenseful with a decent outcome for the main characters.
February 16, 2025
Quick chapters and interesting info 'bout California Wildfires
July 30, 2019
I Escaped The California Camp Fire, by Scott Peters, is an action-packed story based on a real-life disaster. It's a book that will have kids glued to its pages, turning them in anticipation of what will happen next. Like the wildly popular 'I Survived' series that fly from the elementary and middle school library shelves, this 'I Escaped' story is one young readers won't want to miss.
14-year-old Troy and his sister Emma are home alone for the night when the devastating fire begins. In the morning, it's still dark as night, the air filled with smoke. Troy, his sister, and the people and animals of the small California town of Paradise must flee quickly to survive.
With short chapters that end on intriguing cliffhangers, kids will enjoy following Troy on his adventure to save himself, his sister and pets from the oncoming fire. Parents and caregivers will enjoy the fact that this is a story based on a true-life event, and at the end of the story there is information about it. There is also a common-core guide available for educators, making this a school friendly pick. Kids will love the book, though, for its danger, adventure - and brave young protagonist.
14-year-old Troy and his sister Emma are home alone for the night when the devastating fire begins. In the morning, it's still dark as night, the air filled with smoke. Troy, his sister, and the people and animals of the small California town of Paradise must flee quickly to survive.
With short chapters that end on intriguing cliffhangers, kids will enjoy following Troy on his adventure to save himself, his sister and pets from the oncoming fire. Parents and caregivers will enjoy the fact that this is a story based on a true-life event, and at the end of the story there is information about it. There is also a common-core guide available for educators, making this a school friendly pick. Kids will love the book, though, for its danger, adventure - and brave young protagonist.
July 28, 2019
I recieved a free arc for an honest review.
This is my first read of the I Escaped series. After this one, I plan to pick up the others in the series. I know my 10 year old would love these.
This story was about the California Camp Fire and how 14 years old Troy got out and saved his little sister and the family pets. What I liked about this, was how they gave just enough detail to make the reader understand how serious and deadly the situation was.
At the end of the book, there are some statistics from the fire that is listed as the 6th deadliest wildfire in the US.
This is my first read of the I Escaped series. After this one, I plan to pick up the others in the series. I know my 10 year old would love these.
This story was about the California Camp Fire and how 14 years old Troy got out and saved his little sister and the family pets. What I liked about this, was how they gave just enough detail to make the reader understand how serious and deadly the situation was.
At the end of the book, there are some statistics from the fire that is listed as the 6th deadliest wildfire in the US.
July 20, 2019
I Escaped the California Camp Fire throws you right into a real-life disaster and proceeds at a breathtaking pace right up to the end. You follow along with the young protagonists as they persevere through unimaginable situations with intelligence, bravery and some humor. An excellent read for any kids interested in learning more about the California Camp Fire or just looking for a thrilling story of survival.
July 26, 2019
I Escaped The California Camp Fire
This is a terrifying, exciting adventure as two young kids escape from what, for many people, was the most terrifying day of their lives. They make a few bad decisions and a lot of good decisions, and learn to trust each other. A great read, and a nice life lesson.
This is a terrifying, exciting adventure as two young kids escape from what, for many people, was the most terrifying day of their lives. They make a few bad decisions and a lot of good decisions, and learn to trust each other. A great read, and a nice life lesson.
August 24, 2019
I really enjoyed reading 'I Escaped The California Camp Fire' by S.D. Brown and Scott Peters. This adventurous, gripping, and inspirational book is a real-life story of survival amidst the California wildfire disaster. Kids will find themselves glued to the pages in anticipation of what's coming next. Highly recommended.
December 14, 2019
I read this to 8th graders. They were slightly too old for the way it was written, even though the main character is an 8th grader himself. I would suggest it for 6th graders, and in fact, I passed it to my daughter to put in her 6th grade class library. The story did give a sense of what the Camp Fire was like and my students were interested in following it through to the end. 3.5 stars.
July 11, 2019
This was a great young adult book. I don't know if their survival could work like that, but it was an exciting book all the way through. I received a free copy from the author for an honest review.
August 28, 2019
Great, harrowing story of courage and adventure.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews