This daring adventure story, both an homage and a successor of Gary Paulsen, is perfect for middle grade readers. The novel in verse format is put to get use (especially when showing off the stairs), and the novel provides great background on fire lookouts while still being an engaging and original story. Readers will root for Opal the entire way, and they will love to peek into her life. I can't wait to recommend this one to my students.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was immediately drawn to the cover, so pretty! This is a cute young adult coming of age story. The main character, Opal, overcomes fears to save her family while fighting for her own independence. This is a quick read, and perfect for anyone under 13!

I am not the correct audience for this book at 28, but still appreciated Opal finding herself, and trying to decide her own fate. The writing style wasn’t for me, but I understand why it was written the way it was.

First of all: the cover? Beautiful.
The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose introduces readers to Opal, a 12-year-old girl who lives at a fire tower with her mother and grandmother. Opal is about to start training to become a fourth-generation lookout, someone responsible for giving our warnings of any fires before they spread into something uncontrollable and dangerous. The only problem? Ever since she faced her first big wildfire years earlier, Opal has been terrified of anything to do with fire watching.


This is a great book to introduce kids to the concept of identity - Opal's future has almost entirely been written out for her since she was born, and now she struggles with wanting to change the destiny her parents have already decided on for her. As a novel in verse, it is also a fairly quick read for most students and will hold their attention well. And at least in my school, my students absolutely love and devour any kind of survival story. Opal's story is left open near the end, and I'd be curious to follow her journey in a sequel, or to learn more about her ancestors in a prequel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for the advanced copy to review!

Just finished this one.
I'm gonna be honest I don't like the writing style and I really don't understand why the YA authors feel the need to write this way.
To me, it makes it harder to to connect with the characters and I feel like I'm intruding in someone's privacy
However, it did have a nice storyline and I did learn a lot about fire watching. I had no idea what went into spotting forest fires. I only wish someone would have spotted those California fires sooner. I feel that they could've been stopped before they got out of hand.
I did like the way the grandmother taught Opal and that she had lots of patience with her. After all, ot is a family business.
I did enjoy in getting to know Opal. I thought she was a very brave young lady.
I did like that it was told from Opal's POV.
I wasn't going to finish but now I'm glad I did. I wasn't going to finish because of the writing style as I said earlier.
So 4 stars for the learning of how to spot forest fires sooner and for keeping my interest.
This story definitely has some action to it and I wanted to see if they succeeded.
This particular story had some charm and some charismatic characters.
I will recommend this book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.