WILDFIRE

This graphic novel embeds environmental knowledge into a thoughtful and realistic narrative.

When Julianna’s family loses their Western Oregon farm in a wildfire ignited by a bottle rocket launched by some of her classmates, they relocate to Portland. Julianna chooses not to tell her new, politically engaged eighth grade friends about the fire. They encourage her to join the school’s environmental club, and she does so reluctantly as she struggles to understand the deeper, underlying, interconnected causes of what happened. The secret becomes a shared one when Carson, who was part of the group that started the fire, arrives at Julianna’s school and joins the club as part of his mandated community service. As the kids learn more about climate change and take collaborative action through cleanups, tree planting, and protest, the stress Julianna is under builds until she becomes overwhelmed and bravely takes steps toward processing her grief and finding her voice. Thickly outlined, vividly colored art illustrates the story clearly with close attention to setting and mood. Dynamic word balloons stretch and connect across panels, illuminating the natural cadence of spirited everyday conversations. Reflection and curiosity—as well as practical explanations and perspectives about subjects related to environmentalism—are modeled and encouraged by caring, complex characters. As her father reminds Julianna, “two things can both be true.” Main characters are light-skinned; racial diversity is evident in the supporting cast.

A compassionate, action-focused story about climate justice, relationships, trauma, and healing.