Burning Season

Caroline Starr Rose is an author whose books have been ALA-ALSC Notable, Junior Library Guild, ABA New Voices, Kids’ Indie Next, Amazon’s Best Books of the Month for Kids, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. In addition, her books have been nominated for almost two dozen state award lists. Caroline was named a Publisher’s Weekly Flying Start Author for her debut novel, May B. She spent her childhood in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and New Mexico and taught social studies and English in four different states. Caroline lives in New Mexico.

Praise for The Burning Season: A Junior Library Guild SelectionAn NCTE 2026 Notable Children’s Verse Novels SelectionA Book Page Best Books of 2025 Middle Grade List SelectionA 2025 Newton Free Library Top Shelf Read A 2026 Green Earth Book Award Long List Selection★ “[A] masterful, memorable coming-of-age tale that sensitively explores the power and pressures of family legacy.”—BookPage, starred review★ “This novel written in emotive free verse brings the emotional impact of poetry to 12-year-old Opal Gloria Halloway’s coming-of-age tale of survival. A young wilderness lookout confronts family expectations and her fear of fire… Believable emotions, gripping action, and skillfully incorporated information about climate change and wildfire management make this a relatable and engaging read. A girl-versus-nature story that shines with evocative verse, a compelling protagonist, and a brisk plotline.”—Kirkus, starred review★ “Excellent pacing, an engrossing plot, and an endearing main character make this impossible to put down. A riveting survival story with emotional growth…Opal's voice shines through each poem, deepening moments of emotional resonance and intensifying action sequences.”—Booklist, starred review“This thrilling novel in verse packs all of the adventure and excitement of a survival story into concise, poetic stanzas.”—The Horn Book Magazine“The adventure starts fast in this wilderness survival verse novel…the style brings readers along with Opal, racing through the forest as she calls on everything she has learned to take control…Descriptions of the National Forest feel vivid and realistic; Opal and her family know and love the land and detailed pictures are painted by the verse.”—School Library Journal “Riveting, original, deftly written, emotionally engaging, and a fascinating read from start to finish.”—Midwest Book Review“As Rose layers ongoing drama, the tension ramps up. In a gripping climax, Opal, alone, hunts for and then fights to contain a blaze… lyrically evocative.”—Publishers Weekly