Breathing Fire

Fire literally lights the way to a new and better life for a struggling teen in this brisk addition to the Soundings series, written at a fourth-grade level. When 15-year-old Ally’s mother dies, she’s left with no one and nothing in the world. But Ally finds excitement, hope, and a bit of romance when she meets Tate, a fire-breathing busker on the beach. Between Tate’s training and Ally’s gymnastics skills, she may have found a way to earn some money and make her way in the world. Tsiang’s protagonist crackles with personality, and readers will be rooting for Ally as she juggles, flips, and breathes fire to come into her own. Simultaneously available: Bike Thief by Rita Fuetl. Ages 12–up. (Mar.)