Donner, R. (2004). Burnout. (p. 148). Minx. ISBN : 9781401215378
Classification: graphic novel, fiction
Genre: realistic fiction
Age Level: 10th-12th grade
Subjects: environment, family, friends, graphic novel, identity, love story
Reader's Annotation: Danni is confused about right and wrong when her new boyfriend commits acts of ecoterrorism.
Summary: Danni and her mother have been drifting from place to place ever since her father left when she was a baby. They end up in a remote logging town on the north Pacific coast, where they move in with Danni's mother's boyfriend and his son. Her mother's boyfriend is often drunk and managing a failing business, but his son Haskell is a mystery. Danni follows Haskell as he sneaks out of the house one night, and discovers he is sabotaging local logging activities. At first Danni is swept up in the adventure of saving the trees and she is quite taken with Haskell. As the story progresses, however, she sees that Haskell's methods are often dangerous and could have a cost in human lives or livelihoods.
Reviews / Awards:
Kirkus Review (as quoted on author's website)Rebecca Donner's Website
Potential Hotspots:
family violence, ecoterrorism
Readalikes:
- Water Baby by Ross Campbell
- The Wild Trees by Richard Preston
This story ends on a sad, up in the air note, with no real resolution for the characters. While this isn't a "happy" ending, I think it is an honest sort of ending, demonstrating that lots of situations in life don't come with clear black and white answers.
Other:
I enjoyed the art in this story a lot. I had originally hoped to read and review this for my tween database, but decided the content was more appropriate for older teens.
Evaluation:
4 stars
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