My Life on Fire

A captivating and thought-provoking dual narrative from the author of Ella on the Outside.

As Ren and her family drive home one evening, they see orange flames dancing in the sky and bursting like fireworks and flashing fire engines – this excitement soon turns to terror and misery when they realise it is their home on fire. Their lives change instantly when they have to rebuild their lives and home due to the devastating fire.

Ren feels empty and lost with nothing left and soon finds a way to help herself feel better – by taking small items that are meaningful to her old life or other people. Whilst doing this, she feels better but simultaneously she feels wracked with guilt. The narrative is split between Ren and Caspar, whose things at school start to go missing.

The story focuses on complex moral choices and what to do when your friend is in trouble, even though it could cause trouble for yourself. The story would make a great class read for Year 6 with links to PSHE, empathy work or class discussions.