Wildfire

Sam and Delphy both learn and grow over the course of Wildfire. Examine who they are at the beginning of the story and who they are at the end. Write a character study of one or both of them explaining your thoughts on their character evolutions.

Delphy and Sam are able to survive by relying on things that they have learned in the past. If you were in a survival situation, which skills that you already possess would be the most useful? Why? What do you know that would directly apply to the survival scenario in the book?

Compare and contrast Wildfire with another book for young readers that focuses on a survival situation. Some options include Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, and Zane and the Hurricane, also by Rodman Philbrick. Focus on good and bad choices and specific outcomes.

Wildfire references, and is partially based on, the Great Fire of 1947, which devastated parts of Maine, though it is also based on contemporary forest fires. Research the Great Fire of 1947 and write an essay exploring the book’s historical context. Be sure to compare and contrast the fictional fire with the Great Fire.

Philbrick’s writing style maintains tension and keeps readers guessing until the very end of Wildfire. Examine the text and determine what writing elements Philbrick uses to create this tension. Is it effective? Why or why not? Give specific examples and evidence.

The book’s human antagonists are arsonists who set fires because they object to people from outside of Maine buying property there. What do you think of their goals and their methods? With reference to the text, write an essay exploring your perspective. What, if any, nuance can you find?

Sam and Delphy’s immediate concern is surviving the fire, but they also both have problems in their personal lives. How are their personal experiences connected to how they deal with the fire? How do their experiences determine the relationship that they form? In what ways do they bring each other balance? Be specific.

Forest fires are a serious danger that threaten many communities across North America and around the world. If you live in an area where there are forest fires, how might you prepare for an emergency? Write out an emergency plan for yourself and your family based on the tips provided in Wildfire, and be sure to include unexpected factors like a lack of cell phones, water, and consistent shelter.