Chloe Daykin, the critically acclaimed author of The Boy Who Hit Play and Fish Boy, is at it again with her latest wonder, Fire Girl, Forest Boy. A book that brings magic and science together in the setting of modern Peru, it explores all the wonder of the Amazon rainforest, butalso engages with environmental and economic issues. These include land exploitation by big business, and how this affects the local people and creates, for them, some very difficult decisions about survival.

Daykin uses a dual narrative to tell this story through the voices of a feisty Scottish girl, Maya, and a local Peruvian, Raul. Maya is on an expedition with her scientist dad as he explores light and searches for answers to a personal mystery. Raul is returning home and feels the need to atone for a past personal disaster.

Fire Girl, Forest Boy has a fast-paced story with twists and links between each character’s journey and touches of magic that take inspiration from ancient Peruvian legends and explore the spirit of self-growth. It is a great example of magical realism in action, and perfect for ages 9+.

Claire Atherfold is the children’s book buyer at Readings State Library.