Title: Firegirl
Author: Tony Abbott
First published June 6, 2006
145 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316011716 (ISBN10: 0316011711)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
When a girl named Jessica, whose body is scarred by burns, joins a Catholic school while undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, a middle school boy’s life takes a new turn. As he gets to know her, he begins to see beyond her physical appearance and learns about empathy, compassion, and the true meaning of friendship.
Firegirl is a heartwarming tale of acceptance, understanding, and the power of kindness that will leave readers inspired and moved.
About the Author
Meet Tony Abbott, an accomplished American author who has captured the hearts of children all over the world with his captivating stories. His most popular works include The Secrets of Droon, a book series that has sold over 12 million copies and has been translated into several languages such as Italian, Spanish, Korean, French, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, and Russian.
In addition, he has also written the best-selling book Firegirl.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952, Tony’s father was a university professor who owned an extensive collection of books. This library was one of Tony’s first sources of literature and was instrumental in shaping his love for reading and writing.
When he was eight years old, his family moved to Connecticut where he completed his elementary and high school education.
Tony attended the University of Connecticut where he studied music and psychology before deciding to pursue English. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and went on to attend Patricia Reilly Giff’s writing workshops to further develop his skills.
Currently, Tony resides in Trumbull, Connecticut with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. He has two sisters and one brother.
Editoral Review
Tony Abbott’s Firegirl is a moving and heart-wrenching novel that explores the themes of acceptance, friendship, and the power of kindness. Published on June 6, 2006, the novel has resonated with readers of all ages and has become a beloved classic.
Set in a small town in Rhode Island, Firegirl tells the story of a young girl named Jessica who has been badly burned in a fire and is now attending school for the first time since the accident. Her disfigurement and physical limitations make her an outcast among her peers, and the students in her class struggle to accept her.
The novel’s prose is simple yet powerful, and Abbott’s writing style is both accessible and poignant. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with the main protagonist, Tom, struggling to reconcile his own prejudices and insecurities with his desire to befriend Jessica.
Abbott skillfully weaves in historical and cultural references, such as the Great Fire of London, to add depth and richness to the story. He also tackles larger issues of disability and difference, highlighting the challenges that those who are different face in society.
One of the strengths of Firegirl is its pacing. The novel moves at a steady pace, building tension and suspense as the characters grapple with their own prejudices and fear of the unknown.
The resolution is satisfying, and the reader is left with a sense of hope and optimism.
While the novel is not without flaws, such as some predictable plot points and occasional moments of heavy-handed symbolism, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional work.
Overall, Firegirl is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, emotionally resonant story. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it, and its message of acceptance and kindness is one that is more relevant now than ever before.
The Washington Post gives Firegirl a well-deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars, and we highly recommend it to readers of all ages.
