When Tomorrow Burns

From Newbery Award-winning author Tae Keller, 'When Tomorrow Burns' is a compelling middle-grade novel blending magical realism with contemporary realistic fiction. It follows Nomi, Vi, and Arthur, three seventh graders whose childhood discovery of a prophecy book becomes terrifyingly real as wildfires threaten Seattle. The story masterfully explores the complexities of middle school friendships, identity, honesty, and the anxiety of facing an uncertain future. Parents will appreciate its nuanced portrayal of emotional challenges and the empowering message of resilience and collaboration, making it an excellent choice for readers aged 10-14.

Three middle school students embark on a quest to find a book that may just save their lives in this spectacular novel about fate and friendship--from the Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger. Once there was a tree. For two hundred years, there was a tree. There was a tree. There was a tree. Until the tree fell in a forest--and then there was a book. When best friends Nomi, Vi, and Arthur were younger, they disvoered a book of prophecies. It was so very comforting to know what was coming. But as the kids grew older, they forgot about the book. Until the final prophecy started coming true. Now, as seventh grade tests their friendship and wildfires threaten Seattle, the final prophecy promises fire and destruction. Nomi tries everything to prevent calamity. The only problem? She needs help...but Vi's acting strange and Arthur stopped talking to her. Vi can't tell Nomi, but she's been texting the coolest boy in school, and it's going well--until that boy makes an unexpected request, and she must decide who she wants to be. Meanwhile, Arthur joined the cross-country team, but he can't outrun the real reason he ended his friendship with Nomi. The best he can do is try to hide it. As the prophecy escalates, past and present intersect, fate and friendship collide, and secrets spread like wildfire. Together, Nomi, Vi, and Arthur must face the future...even, and especially when it's so uncertain.