The Firebug of Balrog County is a very real story about a very real boy dealing with grief in a very teenage boy way. His mother's death sparks a love of arson in Mack Druneswald's heart, and starting fires is the only way he can make himself feel better. Unfortunately, his grandfather is mayor of the county, and so what ensues is a battle of wits and will between a troubled young man and the grandfather who loves him very much. Mack meets Katrina, a girl who is almost as tough as she appears, and with her encouragement his arson ideas grow even bigger. When Mack sets the wrong fire at the wrong house, though, he sets himself up for a life lesson he'll never forget. The story is moving, the protagonist utterly likeable even while he's burning things down, and the nemesis he creates of his grandfather an added punch to the tale. The only thing I would caution against is that the language is strong (and therefore more real), so you may want to read it first and decide if your child is ready for it.

Posted on www.litmamahomeschool.wordpress.com on 4/30/125