About this item
Nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Medal, this novel is a stunning tribute to fathers and daughters, and to the unique power of art to connect and change us.Sixteen-year-old Iris itches constantly for the strike of a match. But when she's caught setting one too many fires, she's dragged away to London before she can get arrested. At least, that's the story her mother tells. Soon Iris finds herself in the English countryside, where her millionaire father - a man she's never met - lives. Though not for very much longer. Iris's father is dying, and her self-interested mother is determined to claim his life's fortune, including his priceless art collection. Forced to live with him as part of an exploitive scheme, Iris quickly realizes her father is far different from the man she's been schooled to hate, and everything she thought she knew - about her father and herself - is suddenly unclear. But there may be hidden beauty in Iris's uncertain past and hopeful future, if only she can see beyond the flames.Praise for Fire Color One:A Carnegie Medal finalist"It's not often - in fact, it has never happened to me even once - that I fall so hard for a young arsonist. The book moves swiftly, alternating between comedy and sadness, sometimes in the same paragraph. I loved Fire Color One." - Daniel Wallace, critically acclaimed and bestselling author of Big Fish* "Valentine writes about family dysfunction, arson, and art with equal levels of beauty and lyricism, creating a vivid landscape of heartache and redemption....A story about an ugly situation that explodes into beauty through cunning and resilience." - Kirkus Reviews *STARRED*"Wise, brilliantly plotted." - The Sunday Times"Beautifully written...this latest creation is her most spectacular yet." - The Guardian Children's Books review"[An] unforgettable story of grief and love." - Metro"A beautifully written, darkly funny and surprisingly poignant story of art, family and discovering the people we thought we knew." - Kerry Kletter, critically acclaimed author of The First Time She Drowned"Stunning. Rich in prose, with a profound depth to the characters and themes. Extremely moving." - Sarah Lean, award-winning author of A Dog Called Homeless"A beautifully written story, soaked in love and important things." - Steven Camden, critically acclaimed author of TapePraise for Me, the Missing, and the Dead:A Morris Award finalistWinner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize (under title Finding Violet Park) "Compulsively readable. A memorable new voice." - Publishers Weekly, starred review"Lucas' pitch-perfect voice and authentic family relationships, the mild psychic element, and the poignant, coming-of-age mystery will stay with the reader long after the book ends. Valentine's debut novel shines richly." - BOOKLIST , starred review"Engaging from start to finish." - School Library Journal, starred review"An impressive debut. Valentine offers a rich cast of characters and marvelous writing." - Buffalo News"Charmingly told, this mystery manages to be both frothy and nourishing." - Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Jenny Valentine moved house every two years when she was growing up. She has just moved house again, probably not for the last time. She worked in a wholefood shop in Primrose Hill for fifteen years where she met many extraordinary people and sold more organic loaves than there are words in her first novel. She has also worked as a teaching assistant and a jewellery maker. She studied English Literature at Goldsmiths College, which almost put her off reading but not quite. Jenny is married to a singer/songwriter and has two children. In 2007, Jenny won the Guardian Prize for Children's Fiction with her debut novel FINDING VIOLET PARK.
