A parent might reach for this book when their teen is grappling with sudden, disorienting change or feels powerless in the face of global anxieties. Fire From the Sky is a post-apocalyptic survival story set in northern Sweden after an asteroid strike plunges the world into a new ice age. The story follows Siri, a teen who feels disconnected from her indigenous Sámi heritage until a mysterious illness threatens her community and she discovers a strange power that may be their only hope. This book explores powerful themes of resilience, cultural identity, and finding your strength in a world turned upside down. It is an excellent choice for teens who enjoy science fiction and adventure, offering a unique, introspective story about connecting with family roots to navigate an uncertain future.
Deaths from a mysterious illness are mentioned but not graphically described.
Scary ScenesMild
The initial asteroid impact and scenes involving a spreading sickness can be frightening.
Sad ThemesModerate
Deals with loss, grief, and the struggle to survive in a harsh new world.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the aftermath of a global catastrophe, including the death of community members from a mysterious illness and the constant peril of survival. These elements are handled with a focus on grief and resilience rather than graphic detail. Siri's connection to her Sámi heritage is presented as a spiritual and cultural source of strength in a secular context. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing adaptation and community, but realistic about the permanent changes to their world.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14-17, who is drawn to dystopian and survival fiction but is looking for a more character-driven, introspective story. It's perfect for a reader wrestling with their own identity, especially if they feel like an outsider or are navigating a mixed-heritage background. Also a great fit for a teen feeling anxious about climate change or world events and who needs a story about finding agency and hope.
Parent Prep
The opening chapters depicting the asteroid strike are intense and could be unsettling for more sensitive readers. A parent might want to preview this section. No other specific prep is needed, but a quick search about the Sámi people could provide enriching context for Siri's cultural journey. The book stands well on its own. A parent overhears their teen expressing feelings of hopelessness or anxiety about the future and the state of the world. The teen may be questioning where they fit in or showing a new interest in their family history and roots.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the thrilling survival plot, the sci-fi mystery of Siri's powers, and the adventure elements. An older teen (15-17) will appreciate the deeper themes of cultural preservation, intergenerational trauma and wisdom, and the commentary on humanity's relationship with nature. Older readers will also identify more strongly with Siri's internal conflict and search for identity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA dystopias that focus on rebelling against a totalitarian government, this is a quieter, more intimate story of survival against nature. Its unique grounding in Sámi culture and knowledge provides a fresh perspective, positioning indigenous wisdom as a vital tool for the future. The focus is on community, family, and internal strength rather than large-scale warfare.
Read plot summary
After an asteroid impact creates a new ice age in northern Scandinavia, teenager Siri and her family must survive in their small, isolated community. As a mysterious illness linked to the asteroid's fallout spreads and her mother gets sick, Siri discovers she has a unique connection to the phenomenon. Guided by her grandmother's traditional Sámi wisdom, Siri embarks on a dangerous journey into the frozen wilderness to find a cure and understand her new abilities.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Siri initially feels disconnected from her Sámi heritage. How does the disaster force her to reconnect with it, and what does she learn from her grandmother's knowledge?
2
The community has to create new rules to survive after the skyfire. Which rules seemed fair to you, and which seemed difficult or unfair? What would you have done differently?
3
Siri has a special ability she doesn't understand at first. Do you think this power is a gift or a burden? How does her perspective on it change throughout the story?
4
The story is set in a very specific location in northern Scandinavia. How did the setting itself, with its cold and darkness, feel like a character in the book?
