Josh and Holly are enjoying summer in California when a wildfire sweeps in too close for them to return to home base. In addition to the information about wildfires, Tarshis takes time to give us believable characters with lives that will be relatable to other kids. Sure, not every kids has a dad who gets arrested for bank fraud but I'll bet they have seen stories on the news or may even have a friend who's dad or mom has had legal troubles at least. My point is that this book could have been a very simple fire rescue story (and that piece is very well done), but we get a whole lot more which grounds us in the time and place more fully. Also included are facts about the need for deforestation, fire fighter equipment and ways kids can personally help prevent runaway wildfires. Outstanding!