Reading Planet: Astro - Firestorm - Saturn/Venus

Winnie, her mum, and her brother Marcus have flown to Australia for the holiday of a lifetime, but a terrifying wildfire has swallowed up the blue skies and fresh air. Winnie knows they must stay calm and work together to make it out alive. Firestorm! is part of the Astro range from Rising Stars Reading Planet, ideal for struggling and reluctant readers aged 7-11.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Hodder Education

Winnie inhaled deeply and gazed upward, her eyes widening in awe as the vibrant blue sky began to fade, replaced by a menacing grey haze that billowed towards them. Despite her best efforts to maintain composure, a sense of panic surged within her, oscillating like a yo-yo. Alongside her mother and brother Marcus, they had embarked on an unforgettable holiday to Australia, eager to soak in the breathtaking scenery and embrace the fresh air. However, in an instant, their dream getaway was turned into a harrowing ordeal as a devastating wildfire engulfed the area.

Winnie knew that in the face of this dire situation, it was imperative for them to remain calm and united. They had to rely on each other's strength and cooperation if they were to have any chance of survival. As the smoke grew thicker and the flames licked at their heels, Winnie's heart raced with fear. But she refused to let it consume her. Instead, she focused on the task at hand, drawing upon her inner resilience and determination.

Together, they huddled together, seeking shelter wherever they could find it. They scoured the surroundings, looking for any sign of help or a means of escape. But the flames were relentless, spreading rapidly in all directions. It seemed as if the entire world was conspiring against them.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Winnie remained steadfast in her belief that they would overcome this challenge. She encouraged her mother and brother, reminding them of their strength and resilience as a family. They clung to each other, offering solace and support in the face of adversity.

Time seemed to crawl by as they waited for rescue to arrive. The heat was unbearable, and the smoke was suffocating. But they refused to give up hope. They knew that there were countless others who were also fighting for their lives, and they drew strength from their collective determination.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the rescue team arrived. They worked tirelessly to evacuate the stranded tourists, including Winnie's family. As they boarded the helicopter, Winnie couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and gratitude. They had survived the firestorm, and their bond as a family had been strengthened by the experience.

As they flew away from the scene of devastation, Winnie looked out the window, her eyes filled with wonder and awe. The landscape below was transformed, with charred trees and smoldering ruins replacing the once-beautiful greenery. But she also saw the resilience of the human spirit, as communities came together to rebuild and recover from the tragedy.

Winnie knew that this experience would stay with her for the rest of her life. It had taught her the importance of staying calm in the face of adversity, of relying on the strength of family, and of never giving up hope. She was grateful for the lessons she had learned and the memories she had made, and she knew that she would carry them with her wherever she went.

In the aftermath of the firestorm, Winnie's family returned home, grateful for their survival and the support of their community. They continued to support the efforts of the rescue teams and organizations that were working to rebuild the affected areas, and Winnie became an advocate for wildfire prevention and education.

Through her experiences, Winnie learned that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope. It is up to us to embrace it and work together to create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. Firestorm! is part of the Astro range from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Astro books are ideal for struggling and reluctant readers aged 7-11. Each book is dual-banded so that children can improve their fluency whilst enjoying exciting fiction and non-fiction relevant to their age. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills. Interest age: 10-11 Reading age: 7-8 years

Weight: 68g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398325593