Holler of the Fireflies

by David Barclay Moore (publish date 9/27/22)

From the very first chapter of this book, Moore hooks his reader! Javari Harris, a Brooklyn native, is intriguing from the start. Faced with a myriad of issues in an uncomfortable environment (camp in West Virginia), Javari needs to step away from his own comfort zone and make a few friends while growing and learning with STEM.

Many social and environmental issues are highlighted in this book, which can be overwhelming. However, Moore presents them in a realistic way, the way our students, like Javari, are bombarded with these issues every day of their lives.

Javari has to wade his way through all of these issues to find his passion. One of the most timely issues emphasized is that of potable water, an issue that affects Javari deeply. Providing safe water is a meaningful subject for a STEM project, though it may defy the big business that controls the town of Horsewhip Hollow. Javari and his group members have to work together and work through their own issues to get their project done on time.

Racism is also an issue that Javari faces at home in Brooklyn and has to face throughout his camp experience. Protests in response to racial violence open and close this book. Javari finds himself in the middle of both, having to come to grips with racism and stereotyping, along with the strong opinions of his mother and grandfather.

Holler of the Fireflies is well-written with authentic dialogue. It presents real-life issues troubling our students every day. The combination of events and experiences presents a novel well worth reading.