Controlled Burn - by Erin Soderberg Downing (Paperback)

About the Book

"Twelve-year-old Maia's parents say she's lucky she noticed something as early as she did. Lucky to have smelled the smoke, lucky to have pulled her sister, Amelia, out of their burning house. But is it really "lucky" when Amelia's stuck in the hospital, covered in burns? And is it "lucky" when Maia knows it was her candle, left unattended, that started the fire in the first place?...As she begins to figure out how to face her guilt and paralyzing fears, she'll discover there's a fine line between fear and adventure. And when danger strikes again, Maia must summon all her bravery and overcome her self-doubt if she wants to save those she loves most."--

Book Synopsis

A MIBA bestseller

2024-2025 Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee

2024-2025 South Carolina Book Award Nominee

2023 Northeastern Minnesota Book Award Winner

From bestselling author, Erin Soderberg Downing, Controlled Burn is a story that blends family, friendship, fire, and the rocky path toward healing our deepest fears.

Twelve-year-old Maia's parents say she's lucky she noticed something as early as she did. Lucky to have smelled the smoke, lucky to have pulled her sister, Amelia, out of their burning house. But is it really "lucky" when Amelia's stuck in the hospital, covered in burns? And is it "lucky" when Maia knows it was her candle, left unattended, that started the fire in the first place?

When she's sent to spend the summer with her grandparents in Northern Minnesota while her sister heals, Maia discovers that her anxieties and demons are intent on following her wherever she goes...unless she can figure out how to overcome them. But what if she can't? Maia barely knows her grandparents, she desperately misses her sister and home, and she's not thrilled to be spending the summer with Grandpa Howard on his daily motorcycle rides out to the middle of the woods, where he spends all day keeping watch for forest fires. There are no kids her age in Gram and Pop's small town at "the end of the road"--just the chatty nine-year-old neighbor who is intent on getting his Bear Scout badge at all costs, and a friendly, stray dog who's been lurking around.

But Maia will soon learn that nature is a powerful teacher, and sometimes our greatest strengths show themselves when we have to be there for someone else. As she begins to figure out how to face her guilt and paralyzing fears, she'll discover there's a fine line between fear and adventure. And when danger strikes again, Maia must summon all her bravery and overcome her self-doubt if she wants to save those she loves most.

Review Quotes

Praise for Controlled Burn

"A gorgeous, tender, wonderful book. Controlled Burn is a testament to the power and beauty of everyday moments of bravery, compassion, and love." -- Anne Ursu, author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

"A compelling and moving exploration of the bonds of family, overcoming fears, and the power of friendship." -- Hena Khan, award-winning author of Amina's Voice

"Sensitively wrought... Soderburg Downing meaningfully explores the healing power of nature and the beauty of connecting with family in this vibrantly detailed adventure." -- Publisher's Weekly

"An exciting story with well developed characters who learn that since you can't change the past, you need to move forward. Readers will be rooting for Maia!" -- School Library Connection

Praise for Just Keep Walking

If you like my books, then you'll love this one. It's a story filled with adventure and heart." - Dusti Bowling, author of The Canyon's Edge

"Outdoor adventure, a believable but not excessive amount of family tension, and a determined middle grade protagonist--these add up to an absorbing read with a satisfying conclusion." - Cathy Carr, author of 365 Days to Alaska

"Jo's emotional struggles and humor bring a richness and levity that make this one an enjoyable pageturner." - Afoma Umesi, Reading Middle Grade Blog

"A page-turning adventure story of resilence, forgiveness, and finding one's inner strength." - Elly Swartz, author of Hidden Truths

"A fun, heartfelt tale of adventure, family, and determination that will make you just keep reading." -- Dan Gemeinhart, award-winning author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

About the Author

Erin Soderberg Downing has published more than seventy-five highly acclaimed novels for kids, including What Happened Then, Controlled Burn, and Just Keep Walking. She has also written several popular and bestselling series for young readers: The Great Peach Experiment, Puppy Pirates, and Just Like Home. Erin loves reading, swimming, creating pottery, exploring the woods, traveling with her family, and walking around Minneapolis lakes with her mischievous dog, Nutmeg. More info can be found at erinsoderberg.com.