A fascinating look at the most destructive wildfires in American history, the impact of climate change, and what we're doing right and wrong to manage forest fire, from a National Book Award finalist. Perfect for young fans of disaster stories and national history.

A KIRKUS REVIEWS AND BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Wildfires have been part of the American landscape for thousands of years. Forests need fire--it's as necessary to their well-being as soil and sunlight. But some fires burn out of control, destroying everything and everyone in their path.

In this book, you'll find out about:

• how and why wildfires happen
• how different groups, from Native Americans to colonists, from conservationists to modern industrialists, have managed forests and fire
• the biggest wildfires in American history--how they began and dramatic stories of both rescue and tragedy
• what we're doing today to fight forest fires

Chock full of dramatic stories, fascinating facts, and compelling photos, When Forests Burn teaches us about the past--and shows a better way forward in the future.