A year after a solar flare scorched Earth, step-sisters Millie and Rose, with their baby brother and loyal dog, journey across a ravaged landscape to find family. Facing dangers and The Hive—villains hoarding resources—they must learn to survive and rebuild from the ashes together.


This middle-grade novel tackles heavy themes with a balance of heart and hope. Millie and Rose, with their unique personalities, show young readers that it’s okay to cope with hardship differently. The Lost Boys—especially Ben—bring an uplifting presence to the story.

Though it takes time to fully understand where Millie and Rose are each coming from, their love for their baby brother Sammy is unwavering. Despite their differences, they share the goal of finding a safe place where Sammy can thrive.

The book weaves together themes of climate devastation, survival, inequality, gender identity, family (both found and blood), and the wisdom of indigenous traditions. The ending had me tearing up, delivering profound messages on climate change and resilience and the will to survive.