Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2024 *Starred Review* Our warming planet, out-of-control wildfires, and smoke from faraway forest fires clouding city skies have all gotten heavy coverage in recent media reports. It's nice to have this balanced, reassuring offering that puts wildfires into ecological perspective. The content ranges far and wide, covering the chemistry of how fire happens and how it can be controlled, human interaction with fire going back to prehistoric times, firefighting efforts around the world, notorious fires and famous firefighters, and cutting-edge wildfire-monitoring technology such as satellites, drones, and robots. Ecological aspects are heavily emphasized, with descriptions of how flora and fauna often flourish after conflagrations, and how wildfires are crucial to the survival of some plants, trees, and animals. Descriptions of how many Indigenous cultures realized the importance of wildfires in maintaining the health of various ecosystems supported by fire-creation myths help maintain an overall tone of acceptance and respect; Anderson herself is an enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa/Ojibwe/Anishinaabe/Mitchifs in North Dakota. Pages are filled with photos, sidebars, maps, and charts, and additional resources include a glossary, time line, resources, and lengthy bibliography. This authoritative STEAM selection has multiple cross-curricular applications, engaging live action–style reporting on narrow escapes and heroic deeds, and serves as a buffer for climate anxiety. Recommended for most school and public libraries. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.