Reedy, Trent. Fishing in Fire. McCall Mountain Series; bk 2. Norton, 02/2023. 208pp. Fiction. GRADES 5 – 7. $18.95. 978-1-324-01141-5. ADDITIONAL.
The end of sixth grade was a disaster when a rivalry between two popular girls broke into a war. At the end of summer, Annette attempts to repair her failed mediation, inviting her crush Hunter, estranged best friend Yumi, and glam girl Swann on a fishing trip. But when their crew runs into the rival Queen Bees, and gets caught up in a forest fire, the question is not who will win the popularity contest, but who will survive. Set in Idaho, the teens display rural kids’ knowledge of survival skills. Some clunky dialog and overly explanatory text rob the characters of vitality. Those reading for outdoor action/adventure will be satisfied by a plot with an inventive ending. All characters, except two Asian Americans, are white. This is the second book in a series, but it can also stand alone. Review based on an ARC.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired