Winter Sky

October 28, 2013
In spare prose, Giff (Gingersnap) subtly conveys the worries of 11-year-old Siria, whose firefighter father regularly risks his life to rescue others. Unbeknownst to her father, Siria keeps watch over him, chasing fires in the middle of the night to “be his luck.” When a series of fires threatens the neighborhood, Siria suspects that her best friend Douglas may be involved in setting the blazes. Then there’s the mangy stray dog that mysteriously appears at fires and urgently needs Siria’s care. Giff poetically demonstrates Siria’s compassion through actions rather than words. A subplot regarding Siria’s fascination with stars is skillfully woven into the story, expressing the girl’s connection to the mother she lost years ago. Other threads of connectivity emerge, tying Siria to significant people in her life: her father and the other firefighters, who have become like family to her; the occupants of her apartment complex; and the dog she takes under her wing. Siria’s close-knit community evokes a comforting atmosphere of warmth and mutual support even in the midst of danger. Ages 8–12. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic.

December 1, 2013
Siria was born on New Year's Day and named for the star Sirius, which shines brightest in the winter. Almost 12, she only vaguely remembers her mom, who died when she was little, but she cherishes the astronomy book that belonged to her. She believes that her mother entrusted her with her father's well-being. Pop is a firefighter and the only family she has, and she is determined to keep him safe. She is frightened and feisty, headstrong and calculating. She sneaks out at night to follow the sirens and keep vigil with him and his team. A series of suspicious fires in her city neighborhood during the Christmas holiday season involves Siria in ever more dangerous escapades and seriously disrupts her friendships when she mistakenly believes her best friend might be an arsonist. Siria narrates her own story as it is unfolding; there is no omniscient adult voice to guide her, only her own sensitivity and insights as she pieces the puzzle together. Giff deftly builds upon Siria's relationships with Pop, his colleagues at the firehouse, her friends Laila and Douglas, and a stray dog, greatly broadening the usual definition of family. There is some gritty reality, but the overall tone is one of goodness, kindness and community. Tender and satisfying. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)

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January 1, 2014

Gr 4-7-Siria's dad is a firefighter who doesn't know that someone special watches out for him; each time his daughter hears a siren, she sneaks out of her apartment building to chase his fire truck and make sure he is safe. During one such nightly pursuit, Siria discovers evidence of what she believes to be arson. Who could be purposely setting fires? When clues point to someone close to home, Siria must find the strength to unravel the mystery. Despite moments of seriousness, such as her father getting injured during a rescue and a fight with her best friend, conflicts are resolved smoothly and quickly. Interspersed throughout the book are tales about Siria's namesake, the star Sirius, which add a layered dimension to the storytelling. Children will relate to Siria's desire to protect her dad and those she loves. A powerful tale of friendship, family, and discovery.-Kerry Roeder, Professional Children's School, New York City

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2014
Grades 4-7 Eleven-year-old Siria lives with the memory of her motherwho left behind a narrative guide to the starsand the reality that she might also lose her single firefighter father, whose job sends him repeatedly into danger. The residents of her apartment building serve as a surrogate extended family, complete with siblinglike friends, grannyesque babysitter, spatting young marrieds, and a not-so-stray dogespecially in the Christmas season, when homemade gifts are in process. Afraid for her pop's safety, Siria has a penchant for chasing late-night fires. Surrounded by loyal friends, her curiosity about the cause of the local fires makes her question those closest to her. Siria's strength grows as she confronts her suspicions and faces her own truths. Fans of award-winning author Giff will appreciate the smooth juxtaposition of the mother's warm omnipotence through her ethereal guidebook, the devastating burning power of fire, and the crystal clear luminosity of the winter sky.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)