Rodman Philbrick’s Wildfire is a highly engaging survival story praised for its fast-paced plot and relatable protagonist. Reviewers commend the intense action and realistic portrayal of wildfires. Some critique the story for occasionally predictable plot points, but overall, it’s celebrated for its thrilling and educational nature, making it appealing to young readers.

A reader who would enjoy Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick is likely a middle school student interested in thrilling survival stories. Comparable to Gary Paulsen's Hatchet and Jean Craighead George's My Side of the Mountain, this book appeals to those who enjoy intense, action-packed adventures and young protagonists overcoming natural disasters.

Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick follows 12-year-old Sam Castine, who, while attending a summer camp in Maine, is forced to flee into the forest when a deadly wildfire breaks out. Struggling to survive, he encounters Delphy, a teenage girl also stranded. Together, they navigate the perilous terrain, seeking safety and encountering various dangers as they try to escape the rapidly spreading fire.

Suspenseful / Adventurous / Emotional / Dark / Challenging

Rodman Philbrick

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Wildfire and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Wildfire Summary and Study Guide

Background

Wildfire Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Day One”

Part 1 Wildfire Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Day Two”

Part 2 Wildfire Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Day Three”

Part 3 Wildfire Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Day Four”

Part 4 Wildfire Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Day Five”

Part 5 Wildfire Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Day Six”

Part 6 Wildfire Part 6 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Wildfire Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Wildfire Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Wildfire Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Wildfire Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Wildfire Essay Topics

Wildfire

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Wildfire?

Reading Age

Book Details