When Forests Burn: The Story of Wildfire in America

Gr 6 Up–Humanity’s relationship to the natural world is a complex topic, and Marrin (Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy) pays due attention to its multiple facets. With a focus on the history of forest fires in the United States, from the Ice Age to the present, he illustrates how the entanglements of people and nature impact everyone, for better or for worse. Comparing and contrasting European and First Nations attitudes toward forest management, he shows how the clash of cultures has contributed to the issue of forest fires. Detailed recounting of historic forest fires quote original sources to illustrate the harrowing toll on people, animals, and the environment. The science of climate change and its impact on the issue is presented in a factual, evenhanded manner. Plentiful photographs, illustrations, charts, and maps enhance the narrative. A full index, source notes, and bibliography help make this an excellent resource for research.