Synopsis
After school Luther works part-time with a vet who rescues and retrains birds of prey but when he questions many of the community's beliefs about land use, he risks alienation ...
KLIATT
This solid story set in Montana should appeal to readers interested in ecological themes such as managing fires in forests and protecting raptors. Luther used to be an ordinary high school kid, playing football and getting through classes until something happened when he and his teammates partied too hard—we don't know the details until far into the story. Luther quit playing football, alienated his former friends, and began working for a woman vet who takes in wounded raptors, including owls, hawks, and falcons, until they are able to be released once they heal. The story begins with a new school year, an encroaching forest fire, a new girl in town (Alex), and ever-angry townspeople who can no longer make a living working for lumber companies. Luther's stepfather is one of the disgruntled, but he does make a living as a firefighter. There are rumors swirling that some fires are started by arsonists interested in making money as firefighters—one of the plot lines is Luther's fear that his stepfather is that desperate. Alex and Luther seem to be the only high school students interested in learning more about managing forests, but because they even dare to question the views of most of the people in town—who believe the government and conservation policies are responsible for shutting down the lumber industry—they are considered pariahs. When the fire gets out of control and sweeps through the town, endangering the birds Luther takes care of and the horses Alex rides, the suspense builds as the two do their best for the animals they love. Collard is a biologist who knows the forestry management arguments, and through his characters the issues are thoroughly examined.Details of training falcons will fascinate many readers.