Up in Flames

By: Hailey Alcaraz

Narrated by: Krysta Gonzales

Gorgeous, wealthy, and entitled, Ruby has just one single worry in her life—scheming to get the boy next door to finally realize they’re meant to be together. But when the California wildfires cause her privileged world to go up in flames, Ruby must struggle to find the grit and compassion to help her family and those less fortunate to rise from the ashes.

At eighteen, Ruby Ortega is an unapologetic flirt who balances her natural aptitude for economics with her skill in partying hard. But she couldn't care less about those messy college boys—it's her intense, brooding neighbor Ashton who she wants, and even followed to school. Even the fact that he has a girlfriend doesn't deter her . . . whatever Ruby wants, she eventually gets.

Her ruthless determination is tested when wildfires devastate her California hometown, destroying her parents' business and causing an unspeakable tragedy that shatters her to her core. Suddenly, Ruby is the head of the family and responsible for its survival, with no income or experience to rely on. Rebuilding seems hopeless, but with the help of unexpected allies—including a beguiling, dark-eyed boy who seems to understand her better than anyone—Ruby has to try. When she discovers that the fires also displaced many undocumented people in her town, it becomes even more imperative to help. And if she has to make hard choices along the way, can anyone blame her?

In her powerful debut novel, Mexican American author Hailey Alcaraz chronicles a riveting portrait of transformation, resilience, and love with an unlikely heroine who, when faced with unforeseen disaster, surprises everyone, especially herself.

Critic reviews

"Up In Flames is a sparkling and poignant debut that left me breathless, full of richly drawn characters that will stay with readers long after the book is closed."
—Kara McDowell, author of The Prince & the Apocalypse

"Alcaraz’s debut is a touching story of resilience in the face of tragedy. Readers will root for Ruby in this coming-of-age story about love, loss, and friendships." —Booklist

The family struggle.

I enjoyed the family dynamics, the real life environmental challenges, fire, to being a sometimes unwelcome minority in the USA.