Firebreak: barriers to prevent the spread of conflict.

“The short chapters and spare text will pull reluctant readers in, and the realistic portrayal of grassroots activism will keep them reading this well-told story. . . . A timely tale with real-world connections to the power of speaking out against injustice.” — Kirkus Reviews

 

“I think everyone should be reading this, not just teens with reading difficulties. It shows the importance of really looking at what’s happening around us and standing up for what’s important.” — NetGalley member (read the full review)

Firebreak

High school junior Alia is good at sports but struggles with schoolwork, hindered by her learning disabilities. The latest history assignment on genocide is just more homework to be endured. That’s until a troubling conversation with her beloved grandmother reluctantly jolts Alia into action.

Between the country’s shifting mood toward the elderly and new government programs championed as practical ways to deal with a burgeoning elderly population, Alia fears that senior citizens are being targeted for something more ominous.

To rally others and challenge the growing oppression, Alia will need to step up and speak out. But people tend to doubt Alia due to her learning difficulties. Can she get people to listen to her? More importantly, can she believe in herself?

Jolly Fish Press. ISBN: 978-1-63163-840-4, 978-1-63163-841-1, 978-1-63163-843-5

Teens

Fast-paced teen fiction. Written at a 2nd- to 3rd-grade reading level with an interest level of ages 14 and up.

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How I Picture My Characters

Illustration of Ali, the main character, who is Caucasian with a darker complexion, long wavy brown hair, wearing a tennis outfit and carrying her tennis racket

Alia, the Main Character

Illustration of Oma, Alia’s grandmother, who is a Caucasian woman in her early 80s with long white hair, glasses and wearing an elegant scarf

Oma, Alia’s grandmother

Illustration of Jonah, Alia’s friend, who is a Native American teen boy with black hair pulled back and up in a ponytail, wearing a white hooded jacket and a backpack

Jonah, Alia’s Friend

Illustration of Melissa, Alia’s friend, who is a Caucasian teen girl with dark hair pulled up in a dramatic hairstyle, with a somewhat gothic and theatrical style about her

Melissa, Alia’s Friend

Illustration of Wally, Alia's brother, who is a Caucasian boy in 5th grade with short brown hair and glasses, surrounded by books

Wally, Alia’s brother

Illustration of Ava, Alia’s mom, who is a Caucasian woman with shoulder-length reddish brown hair wearing a tailored top and necklace

Ava, Alia’s Mom

Illustration of Tim, Alia’s dad, who is a Caucasian man in his 50s with short brown hair, gray eyes, wearing a collared work shirt

Tim, Alia’s Dad

Illustration of Mr. Carver, Alia’s Social Studies teacher, who is a middle-aged African American man with short salt and pepper hair and a beard, wearing glasses and a V-neck sweater

Mr. Carver, Alia’s Social Studies Teacher

Illustration of Eric, a college student mentor to Alia, who is a Caucasian young man with short brown hair, blue eyes, wearing a blue colored shirt

Eric, Alia’s Mentoring College Student/Activist

Illustration of Ann, an activist leader and mentor who is an older Caucasian woman with salt and pepper hair, smiling and wearing a hooded jacket

Ann, Activist Leader and Mentor

Illustration of Charlotte, Alia’s fellow tennis player and frenemy, who is Caucasian with darker skin, medium-length brown hair, a serious expression, wearing a hoodie and backpack

Charlotte, Alia’s Fellow Tennis Player/Frenemy

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Member of SCBWI - 10+ Years!
 
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Member - 10+ Years!

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