Brent Gill

Fire on Black Mountain Brent Gill

Twelve-year-old Billy Scott is entrusted with a task few adults would attempt. Summer lightning struck a dead snag, but has not yet caught fire. Billy has to guide a fire crew to the tree before dawn when the dew will evaporate. If he fails, the entire mountain could erupt into an inferno. He must demonstrate perseverance and ingenuity to solve the problems encountered. Amid criticism and skepticism, he exhibits respect, empathy, forgiveness and compassion when relating to adults and animals. Readers will appreciate his boyish reactions and feelings, and admire his adult problem-solving skills. This is a wholesome, refreshingly clean adventure, appealing to readers ages 8 to 80.