FireWorks by Oliver Smuhar

FireWorks is a middle grade book that was sent to me by the author. This tells the story of how Illuka, the koala and Bouddi, the sugar glider, managed to survive the Australian Bushfires (known to the animals as Alinta). After their home and family are dead and destroyed, these two embark on a journey to warn other family herds, making new friends along the way. 

One thing I liked about the book is the pictures of the different animals and the various facts and descriptions of them. Personally, I have never heard of dingoes before. I also learned that the Eastern water dragon can climb trees, and I learned that the scientific name for the red-tailed black cockatoo is Calyptorhynchus. The drawings of the animals are very helpful for imagery, and while black and white, the actual pictures of the bush fires and their impact is also educational. 

I did enjoy the story, and it felt well-written. It is  obvious that the author put a lot of work into the book. I'm not sure that a bibliography fits with a middle grade book, but the sources can be helpful if the reader wants to look up more information. I also love that most of FireWorks' profits go to charity.

One major issue that I have is their name for the fires- Alinta. Coincidentally or not, that is also the name of one of Australia’s fossil fuel energy companies. While the meaning of the name Alinta is fire, there are over a hundred other names that mean fire or flame. It is unlikely that the author, who is Australian, would not know the name’s other connotation. Even if accidental, the political message (fossil fuels = climate change = more wildfires) is too large to ignore. That being said, the target audience is for middle grade readers, and they likely would not understand the connection and the political statement. If intentional, that is an issue in itself of writing for the target audience. Alinta makes the audience seem older, in the YA group, but literally stating the moral of the story is on a different age spectrum, perhaps elementary school. 

UPDATE 7/10/21: Smuhar stated "I had no idea that Alinta was connected to an Australian fossil fuel company. I did not intend to make FireWorks a political statement on fossil fuels and global warming. It’s overall goal was to highlight the reality of the bushfires and their impact on the Australian community." He is currently looking into ways to update the name.

I was conflicted with how to rate this book, but I feel that the issue is great enough to rate it 3 stars, despite enjoying the story.

For a middle grade audience I do recommend this story. 

Title: FireWorks
Author: Oliver Smuhar
Publisher: Mountain Blue Publishing
Pages: 275
Series: Not yet
Rating: 3 Stars

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