The Fire Keeper’s Girls

I was swept away by the fast-moving story of this book. We follow Gemma and Alice, teenage cousins who have been shipped off by their parents to spend the summer with Sam, a woman they hardly know in order to help with some ‘issues’ they both are experiencing which are revealed as the story evolves.

Deep emotional issues are explored that young adult readers will recognise and relate to, I feel it is also worth noting, that sexual abuse is explored, not in a graphic nor explicit way and playing only a small part of the story. The girls find themselves part of a ‘game’ becoming empowered by learning about real life women and rich life experiences facilitated by the eccentric and worldly Sam. Gemma and Alice return home with a network of support and new skills.

At the end of the book there are 25 brief biographies of women from different countries (including Te Puea Herangi, from New Zealand) who achieved and pushed boundaries within their lives, these are a wonderful addition to the book. Opening my eyes to some new and unknown pioneering women from around the world. I am a fan of Non-Fiction and I loved how this was not only included in the book but woven throughout the story.

‘The Fire Keeper’s girls’ is an empowering read, it is just the sort of book I would have loved as a teen, adventure, learning, friendship and growth.

Title: The Fire Keeper’s Girls

Author: L.P Hansen

Publisher: Onepoto Press

ISBN: 9780473444723

RRP: $26.00

Format: Paperback

Date of publication: 2018

Ages: 12+

Reviewer: Louana McCormack, Librarian, Opaheke School,Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

What’s the book’s opening sentence? ‘I’m not going!’ Gemma huddled in her bed, duvet pulled to her chin.

You can buy this book here