I don't have a whole lot to say about this book, but the bit about Salem Witch trial victims being burned at the stake annoyed me so much I almost stopped reading. I'm a former resident of Salem, Massachusetts. Nobody was burned there. That is a myth. The accused were hanged, aside from Giles Corey, who was crushed to death with stones. For a book woven with historical details, that's a pretty big inaccuracy. I couldn't take the rest of the story seriously after that.

When Tomorrow Burns is nothing like I expected, but that is not to say I disliked this book. This story touches on heavy topics that would be great for discussing with your middle school-aged children I would recommend reading it first so you are prepared, however. Vi’s storyline is relatable and sad, especially with the prevalence of social media, and texting, in our current times. The inclusion of a gay couple as parents to one of the main characters is so important. The mystery of the book was essential to the storyline, yet the problems and drama of the young main characters were the central focus. This aspect is one I did not expect but it makes sense that our main character’s lives and how they are affected by the book weigh more heavily than the book itself.

This book covers things that should not be written into a children's book.

I was not a fan of this books derogatory view on religion as a whole. You will find a little bit of snark in reference to a billboard in the beginning of the book and then a larger cluster of lies during a false retelling of history.

This book seems to focus on negativity and about life being bad. I love a little historical fiction, but this book mentions real historical events and describes them in a way that is completely false. The author did no research before citing these events and did their best to make it look at twisted as they could while blaming religion.

This book brings up sex is in a sly way multiple times that really gave me the ick when it comes to how young the children in this book are. The book gives details into the inner workings of same sex relationships as well as joking about children having sex for the purpose of baring children for a same sex couple. Same sex couples should be represented in books because they do hold place in this world, but they should not be represented in this predatory way.

Truly, this book is clearly one person's predatory views thinly veiled in a fiction plot. It all felt like grooming as I was reading it. Thank goodness I wasn't reading it to my kids! I would reccomend avoiding this.

Religion of all kind should be called out on past harm to humanity, but should not be made fun of in a children's book or major historical events lied about in an attempt to discredit it. LGBTQ+ does not need another person misrepresenting them in a predatory way. Children do not need to be exposed to sex in such a flippant and predatory way.

Wow - I’m so impressed by this novel! As soon as I finished it, I wanted to pick it right back up and reread.

Originally, I had a hard time getting into this book… at 37% I started finding the themes and the “why” a the book. I could start to see an outline. We see what preteens and young teens having been going through for decades which includes navigating friendships as they age. In addition, body changes and the beginning of their dating journey. As well as, what teens have to go through in today’s world with technology.

In addition, family dynamics in today’s society are quite varied compared to 30 years ago in the US. Single moms, mixed families, same sex parents, and more. The book discusses how society treats those different families dynamics. Along with a guilt that is recognized amongst the parents generation for the future they have set up for their children.

The most obvious theme is probably the climate impact. We see the fires impact on society. The conversation about the trees is a great way to see the planets “pov” or a voice of criticism towards human’s behavior. But also, the symbolism behind fires and trees echoed throughout the book was poetic.

This is one of those books you could really dive into to discuss literature, social constructs, and more.

A thank you to Netgalley, Tae Keller, and Random House Books for sparing me to read and review this book.

When Tomorrow Burns centers around 3 friends who have an old journal filled with poetry that has had a way of predicting the future for them. Interwoven into the narrative is the perspective of a tree. At first the aspects of the storyline, the trees, and the wildfires feel disjointed, but they all come together by the end. I appreciated the theme of the dangers of social media through Vi’s character. The representation of multiple family structures is also nice. Overall, a good read.

Varying viewpoints, including some trees, but mostly the three friends as they search for a book that may tell the future.

This book follows three friends through about a quarter-ish of their middle school year, and it instantly brought me back to my middle school days. I think a lot of kids will relate to everything Vi, Arthur, and Nomi experience. The character growth is so strong, and I loved the touch of whimsy woven throughout.

Even though it tackles some tough topics, I think it’s a great springboard for discussion between parents and middle schoolers. Personally, I really enjoyed it even though I’m far removed from that stage of life and don’t have a middle schooler myself.

Honestly, my timing for reading this couldn’t have been more surreal. When I started the book, the wildfire smoke from Canada was hanging heavy in the Midwest, and shortly after, we experienced massive flooding. It felt like one climate crisis after another, and this story reminded me that even in hard times, things can and will be okay. It inspired me to be the change and stand up for what I believe in.

I also loved that there was a quest, a prophecy, and elements of magical realism. All in all, this book had both heart and hope, and it left me with the powerful reminder: "We were here. And we’ll be here."

A painful and beautiful middle school story with multiple perspectives including the trees. The story of Nomi, Violet and Arthur and a book plays wonderfully with predictions, word meanings, and friendship. The middle schoolers and their parents are fully realized along with all their fears and failings. I loved the double meaning of many of the word choices and prophecies, and was pleased to be surprised at one of the big ones, even though it had been laid out so clearly!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for this DRC.
#WhenTomorrowBurns #NetGalley

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this middle grade novel.

This book is one that readers will love. You're rooting for the characters, and feel for them as they find their way through new relationships and old friends. A lot of the topics are timely and worthy of discussion.

This was an incredibly powerful story!! The world is a scary place right now, and not only do the kids know it, they experience it in ways that adults don’t completely understand, which more often than not, leaves them feeling lonely, worried, and hopeless. The problems that Keller tackles range from global disasters down to interpersonal relationships, and many others in between.

Nomi, Vi, and Arthur discovered an anonymous journal when they were younger, and its prophetic poetry has correctly predicted too many events for them to ignore its “magic” -from small things like predicting a new flavor of ice cream, to larger, friendship ending forecasts. But when an apocalyptic prophecy seems to be coming true, Nomi must gather her friends back together to figure out how to stop it.

I highly recommend this book, especially for kids who are struggling with dealing with the pressures of the world, their families, and the daily lives of middle schoolers.

🔥 When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller is a gripping story about friendship, fate, and fiery choices. 📚 Nomi, Vi, and Arthur once discovered a magical book that could predict the future—but now, with wildfires looming and cryptic warnings, they must reunite to search for its sequel. 🌲 As they navigate broken bonds and uncertain paths, the line between destiny and choice begins to blur. Can they change what's been written—or will the flames consume more than they expect? 💔🔥✨

I really enjoyed this read. So many life lessons packed into this short book. A really important lesson for the pre-teens and teens out there. Wish there was more to the story afterwords. Like did Vi end up at the same school as Nomi even though her mom wouldn't have wanted that. I also really enjoyed how it talks about the trees and how one book can connect and reach people for so many years.

This book was interesting. I liked the friendships and how they grew and changed. But some of the mystery and magical elements were just not working for me.
I did want to know what was going to happen, but I didn't find myself really connecting with the characters.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Tae Keller delivers another heartfelt, imaginative tale with a touch of mystery. While the slower pacing may feel gentle for readers expecting nonstop action, the emotional depth makes it a standout. The friendships felt real. The story was mysterious keeping my attention. Would recommend to anyone who likes middle‑grade friendship stories with mystery and magic.

Really enjoyed this read! The friendship between Nomi, Vi, and Arthur- feel like this is a great coming of age story as friends navigate crushes and how their changing and growing. The mystery element adds a intriguing plot that will keep readers engaged and racing to the finish!

Another awe-inspiring work from Keller tells the story of three kids living life while the world burns. What made this book difficult to read was that it wasn't a dystopian future; the story takes place here and now, in the context of real-life problems and mistakes. This title is definitely not for every kid, and I would read it before recommending for sure. It was excellent, but deals with heavy topics for sure. The writing is pure poetry, though, and it was worth every page.