"Name's Jack Danielson. Eighteen. As of right now, not quite sure I'll live to see nineteen. Always been a pretty good guy, easy-going, laid back, friend to all and enemy to none. Smart, but not too smart. Athletically inclined, but never enough to be the best. Now my whole world is falling apart. Seems my father isn't my father. My mother isn't my mother. The fact that my dad who isn't my dad shot off his own foot to prove his point should be strange enough. It isn't. There are weird bat-like creatures chasing me, and things called Gorms. I've somehow ended up on a motorcycle with a humongous mongrel dog named Gisco, who happens to be telepathic, riding in a sidecar. Now there's a woman named Eko kicking my ass on a daily basis to make me stronger. Why? Because I have to find Firestorm so that I can save the Earth. And no, I have no idea what that is. And yes, I'm a fan of sentence fragments. Look it up, my friend, but not right now. Right now I have to save the world, before there's no future on Earth for me to come back from."
Firestorm is book 1 of the Caretaker Trilogy by David Klass. Set in the present, Klass takes readers for a nonstop ride as Jack discovers the truth and carefully fabricated untruths about his life. This is a well crafted ecological science fiction novel that gives an unvarnished look at what could happen to our world if we continue abusing the environment as we currently do. Klass creates a unique fantasy world that is quite believable. The action moves at a super fast clip and there is never a dull moment. Kids who might not typically read sci-fi may well find this to be a keeper.
I really enjoyed reading Firestorm, even though I am not usually a science fiction fan. I found Jack, Gisco, Eko, and the supporting characters to be interesting and fun. I really enjoyed the fast paced action and the twists and turns to the story. I think this book would be appropriate for middle and high school students, especially those with an ecological or environmentally friendly bent. Boys can relate to Jack, enjoy the adventure, and love the action packed storyline. Girls will have no trouble falling for the sports hero hottie with a soft spot for kids and dogs. There is some talk of a sexual nature, but it is not gratuitous and what 18 year old boy can go through too many hours without thinking of that?!
Firestorm has been honored with the following: ALA Best Book Citation, starred review in School Library Journal, starred review from Publisher's Weekly and it was the first book endorsed by Greenpeace.
I would definitely booktalk this book. The passage I used at the beginning of this post would be a great hook, but there are countless other that would do just as well. I think a tie in with Earth Day, climate change units or projects, and environmental issues activities would be great opportunities to sell this book as well as the other two titles in the trilogy, Whirlwind and Timelock.
Michelle, I agree that the quote you used in your first paragraph would be a great hook--it raises a lot of questions and sets the stage for a great story!
ReplyDeleteYou hooked me! I'm in! It sounds absolutely hilarious...and adventure packed. My students would be very interested in reading this after hearing the passage you posted. On a side note: I LOVE that the main character says he is a fan of sentence fragments. =) That kind of intellectual humor would most definitely appeal to many of my Advanced 9 students. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI also really liked the passage you chose from the book. He sounds like a very witty character and students will love that. I also find it interesting the book has an environmental theme. This would be a great way to get students thinking about the environment!
ReplyDeleteRachel, Jack tosses around a bunch of $5 words and tells the reader to look it up! I loved the wit and intellectual challenge in the book, too. It's a fun read, take the time for it. I am going to look for the other two, I'm hooked!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Michelle! I will definitely look this series up. I've been reading a lot about sci-fi/ dystopian literature lately which can get a little depressing. Jack Danielson sounds like a character who can make readers appreciate the funny side of things.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book that I would like to look into. I too along with the others, like that first passage. It caught my attention and kept me hooked.
ReplyDeleteReaders appreciate books in a series. What is nicer then to know that there are more after you really enjoy a book?
ReplyDeleteAmen, Dr. Berg! Especially with a well written story and well developed, believable characters.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound like it is action packed and I loved the passage you chose for the book hook, it hooked me!
ReplyDeleteWonderful hook, Michelle! This book sounds like one that I will encourage our teenage boys to read! Thanks for the book review!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great book talk hook! I also really liked how you used it to open this blog post because it hooked me in!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of tying the book in with current events and getting students thinking about life beyond the class room. This sounds really intersting and I think the first paragraph would make a great hook! I already want to read it!
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