Ronni Arno, author,
Simon & Schuster | Aladdin
Reaction to Journey to Sunfire Mountain:
“It was a pleasure to read! The writing is incredibly clean. The use of dialogue and imagery is excellent. I especially liked the relationship between Kep and Lilura.”
Steven Fechter, author,
The Big Breeze
Reaction to Journey to Sunfire Mountain:
“It was a thoroughly engaging read. All the magical stuff in the novel is well done and fun. I liked seeing the change in Kep from timid, needy nerd to bold, courageous leader.”
B. Kim Taylor, writer,
The New Yorker
Reaction to Journey to Sunfire Mountain:
“Superb writing in a perfect blend of fantasy with reality, nature with humanity, humor with suspense. Kep’s inner thoughts and his relationship with his father are so well-depicted.”
Brad Johnson, writer/reader,
SCBWI
Reaction to Journey to Sunfire Mountain:
“I loved the world building. The Basque superstition, myth, and folklore are very compelling. It was refreshing to experience another culture, different from the typical ones in kid’s literature.”
More in-depth from professors of middle grade literature:
Journey to Sunfire Mountain is an intriguing, thrilling, and inspirational folklore-infused fantasy rich with magic, danger, and heart. This story beautifully captures what it means to find one’s true strength and stand up for what is right. Through ancient animal magic, a nervous boy named Kep learns courage from the bear Hartza, resilience from the wolf Otsoa, and mental clarity from the hawk Zapelatz. An absolute triumph of middle-grade fantasy, this is a captivating adventure that readers won’t be able to put down.
— Dr. Min Wang, instructor for Children’s and Young Adult Literature
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Journey to Sunfire Mountain. The father-son relationship feels very authentic. I loved the tension between trying to live up to a father’s expectations and Kep’s own fears and need to overcome them. The Basque folklore was so interesting, and kids who love to play video games will be very comfortable in the story’s magical “otherworld.” I also loved the friendship between Kep and Lilura, which was very age-appropriate and adorable. Can’t wait for the sequel!
— Prof. Catherine Zandstra, instructor for Teaching Middle Grade Texts
Journey to Sunfire Mountain by C. B. Whitaker is a beautifully written and engaging story, filled with adventure and a mystical, intuitive quality that gives the story depth. I’m drawn into its vivid imagery and intriguing sense of mystery. I especially appreciate the sense of trusting one’s inner sense of direction and being open to possibilities. The mythic way Kep follows his path through the novel makes this a mentor book for teaching the hero’s journey narrative structure.
— Prof. Karen Signor, instructor for Children’s Literature