
They chase a light and then it chases them.
A sparkling light entices a young naturalist and his bothersome cousin deep into the woods. Soon the young warriors are thrust into battle to save the magic of the last firefly family.
When a mysterious light entices ten-year-old Davy and his younger cousin, Anderson, into the woods, they discover the forest is alive with wonder. Firefly magic dazzles the boys and they vow to save the insects from annihilation.
Then a fire rages in the forest. In spite of the cousins’ creative efforts to help the firefighters, the situation for the fireflies plummets from grim to dire. As the blaze consumes the fireflies’ habitat, the young warriors despair. If only there was—even one left.
5 Star Review from my 13 year old son -
"I really liked the story line. Two boys need to save fireflies because the fireflies are going extinct. I read through this book fast because it was very entertaining. My favorite part was, the big fire, also when the boys got lost.""I would recommend this book to boys my age because I think they would really like it! I also would read more from this author. I'm hoping this is the first book in a series."
My mom thoughts- My son read through this book quickly and was never bored. I look forward to having my other children read this book. 5 mom stars!
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
A Texas boy and his cousin face unexpected challenges when trying to protect fireflies in this middle-grade novel. The author's touch of the supernatural in the plot is deftly balanced with the boys' lively, reality-based adventures and by strong messaging about insects and their vital place in the world's ecology, under threat from pesticides and loss of habitat. "If the insects die, then everything that needs them for food dies too," Davy says. Davy and Anderson will use their strength and ingenuity to corral frightened cattle and help firefighters' efforts to control the blaze, but will they be able to help the fireflies? Meanwhile, the successful, warm heart of the novel is found in the changing dynamic between Davy and Anderson and in subtle character-building messages about friendship, empathy, and courage in the face of fear. Appealing young male protagonists, a touch of magic, respect for nature and human connection, and plenty of action. KIRKUS
Middle grade readers interested in an ecology story of adventure, adversity, and mystery will find delight in this story of Texas boys who investigate the declining number of fireflies in The Firefly Warriors Club. As Davy contemplates creating a firefly habitat and face the special challenge of preserving their environment against forces that would decimate it, young readers receive an ecological lesson couched in a story of peers who decide to move from learning and observation to taking charge of a seemingly-impossible project. This fine tale works well on many levels. Characterization is well done, and the natural history is revealing, linked human and natural affairs and interests and Davy's own evolution in a compelling way. Middle grade readers are in for an informative treat with The Firefly Warriors Club! MidWest Book Review by Diane Donovan
A charming and at times heartrending adventure. I highly recommend this gripping first book in a new series for middle grade boys. 5 of 5 Stars Literary Soirée
A charming, 5 Star Review from my 13 year old son - "I really like the story line. Two boys need to save fireflies because the fireflies are going extinct. I read through this book fast because it was very entertaining. My favorite part was, the big fire." 5 mom stars!
Krista
Susan Count has done an excellent job of weaving environmental issues into an action story. In addition to providing a fun read for Middle Grade readers, The Firefly Warriors Club also shows collaboration, empathy, and respect for others. Author Elena Taylor
This book is filled with adventure and fun insect facts. I say that as a person who definitely does not like bugs of just about any kind (though, I do love to watch the fireflies in my yard every summer). The information is wonderfully disseminated throughout the story. I Read Kid's Books
If you've got young children who love to read about nature, you need to introduce them to The Firefly Warriors Club! Though the book's main characters are boys, I think your girls will enjoy it just as much as your boys will. Christy's Cozy Corners
The Firefly Warriors Club by Susan Count is a fun, informative, and suspenseful Middle-Grade adventure book. Readers will learn a lot about fireflies, as well as farm life, mechanical workings, cowboy antics, and firefighting. Here's How It Happened