Controlled Burn

Fire in the Northwoods

Pre-teen Maia spends a summer in northern Minnesota, but it’s no happy-go-lucky vacation.  Maia’s family home has burned down, leaving her younger sister injured and her parents so distracted with the younger girl’s care that Maia has been sent to live with her grandparents, who are virtually strangers to her.  Maia, who blames herself for the housefire, is unhappy about the entire situation, especially since she is forced to spend so much time with her grumpy grandfather, who spends the summer days high up in an antiquated fire tower, watching for faint wisps of smoke that might signal the start of a major blaze.  

But things soon begin to look up.  Maia becomes involved in wildlife rehabilitation, a new friend appears on the scene, and her guarded grandfather slowly begins to lower his defenses.  

This is a good summer book about family relationships and healing, with a big helping of outdoor adventure mixed in.  And there’s a big lovable dog, too.