An enduring problem in contemporary fiction is to find exciting books that are not filled with profanity or aggressive sexual themes. At times it seems very difficult to find interesting contemporary novels reflecting the values of Judeo/Christian culture. Hence, I was absolutely overjoyed to find this book at the public library. It is an exciting story and readers can see the leading characters mature and grow in virtue as they are forced to face dangerous situations. The title of this gripping book is "Wildfire Run," by Dee Garretson.
At 5:41 a.m. the New Madrid earthquake fault in southern Missouri violently moves, sending massive shock waves across North America. Four minutes later the surging energy reaches the presidential retreat of Camp David. The entire compound begins shaking and numerous computer alarms go off. Luke Brockett, the 12-year-old son of President Pierce Brockett, feels the movement in his room and wakes up. His ‘computer geek’ friend, Theo Ellias, sleeps through the entire event. Luke’s mother, the First Lady, has stayed behind at the White House. Of course Luke is not really alone since Secret Service agents are nearby to take care of him. But the massive quake continues to have repercussions. Campers quickly leave the nearby national forest without completely putting out their campfires. Sparks blow to the nearby tinder dry forest. Soon a massive forest fire begins.
The president and his advisors have to return to Washington D.C. to handle the evolving crisis in Missouri. The president asks Luke if he would like to return to the White House by helicopter. Luke can think of nothing so boring, and asks to stay at Camp David. The president agrees after telling the Secret Service to leave quickly if the forest fire moves towards the presidential retreat. With this he leaves by helicopter. Luke then begins telling Theo about the layout of Camp David and all the security fences and defensive electric devices in place. Luke has overheard his father saying that some of the microwave defenses can actually cripple intruders. You have to know where you are going or you could get severely shocked. Theo is impressed with Luke’s accounts. Nobody can seemingly break through all these sophisticated defenses.
Meanwhile, Luke’s old friend Callie Lansa arrives from Colorado with her father. Mr. Lansa is to be the new chef at Camp David. No sooner do they get there than the Secret Service orders everyone to leave as the forest fire is heading directly towards them. Callie, Luke and Theo jump into one SUV with three agents. As they pull out of the complex, their SUV crashes into the front gate. One agent is electrocuted, two are severely injured and Theo sustains a concussion. Unfortunately, the wrecked vehicle is on the wrong side of the electric fence. The earthquake and fire have damaged the control switches, so the electricity cannot be turned off. Unable to get out of Camp David, Luke is forced to make some dangerous and heroic decisions. Behind the boy is a raging forest fire, ahead of him is an electric fence and numerous crippling microwave devices. Only he has the knowledge of Camp David necessary to save to the others. He has to lead. But where do you find courage when you are absolutely frightened? Luke reaches deep inside himself and plans an escape through the burning fire. The odds are stacked against the children.
What happens to the group? How do you escape through a burning forest still filled with active electronic devices set to shock people from any direction? Have you ever faced a situation that forced you to become brave? Where did you find the courage? What does Luke do? To find out, go to the library and read this exciting book.
"Wildfire Run" is a Golden Sower nominee for 2012-13. The Golden Sower award is given each year by the Nebraska Library Association to the books voted most popular by school children of the state. There are three different levels, and this book is in the Intermediate Level, Grades 4-6. I hope your children get a chance to read this book. It’s a great read. Enjoy!
