The Lake Is On Fire

A recently blinded and despondent teen aged boy and a abused, man-hating dog are thrown together in a struggle for survival against a New Hampshire forest fire.

Ricky Talese has recently been blinded in an accident. His best friend was killed in the same accident. Missing his friend, despondent and despairing, the suicidal Ricky is sent to spend a few days with friends, the Gallaghers, in their New Hampshire mountain cabin. With him travels a mistreated and potentially dangerous German shepherd which the Gallaghers are trying to rehabilitate. Boy and dog distrust and dislike each other, but when they are caught alone in a fast spreading forest fire, they are forced into an unlikely partnership. As they face dangers together, the new trust that kindles between them forms a bond and ultimately brings about a moment of heartbreak and possible redemption.

Maureen Crane Wartski, who makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, has taught high school English and writing and conducts writing workshops throughout the country. She has authored 14 YA novels including the award winning A Boat To Nowhere and the critically acclaimed Candle In the Wind. The Lake Is On Fire was first published by Westminster Press and later by New American Library. She has consistently written short stories for anthologies and for BOYS’ LIFE magazine, and her book for young readers, Yuri’s Brush With Magic, was recently published by Sleepy Hollow Books.