Fire from the Sky
Fire from the Sky by Moa Backe Åstot is a young adult fiction novel published by Levine Querido in 2023. This 205-page book presents a queer coming-of-age story that explores themes of heritage, family ties, and the complexities of first love within the context of Sámi culture. The narrative follows Ánte, a young Sámi man who grapples with his responsibilities to his family’s reindeer herding traditions while navigating his evolving feelings for his best friend, Erik.
Readers will find a poignant exploration of emotions and social themes as Ánte confronts the challenges of expressing his identity and desires. The story delves into the tension between tradition and personal truth, highlighting the significance of connection and the struggle for acceptance. Fire from the Sky offers an intimate look at the intersection of love and cultural heritage, inviting readers to reflect on the universal experiences of youth and self-discovery.
Official synopsis Publisher
MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR WINNER
KIRKUS BEST OF THE YEAR
From 23-year-old Sámi debut novelist and reindeer owner Moa Backe Åstot, Fire From the Sky is a queer coming-of-age story about heritage, family ties and age-old commitments to the past.
Ánte’s life has been steeped in Sámi tradition. It is indisputable to him that he, an only child, will keep working with the reindeer. But there is something else too, something tugging at him. His feelings for his best friend Erik have changed, grown into something bigger. Ánte is so aware of Erik and his body in relation to his own; everything he does matters so much. What would people say if they knew? And how does Erik feel? And Erik’s voice just the push of a button away. Ánte couldn’t answer, could he? But how could he ignore it?
Fire From the Sky will warm your heart as Ánte experiences the magical, soul-combusting feeling of first love.
P R A I S E
★ “Fire from the Sky is a superb account of one boy’s struggle to be himself. Åstot does an exemplary job invoking Sami culture, and an especially good job of capturing Ante’s turbulent emotions, dramatically ratcheting up tension, as it is often agony for Ante to be around the friend he’s so in love with. Much of Ante’s experience is universal, and empathic readers will hope urgently for his happiness.”
—Booklist (starred)
★ “A rare and triumphant look at what it means for queerness to stay put, with all the messiness and pain that entails… A fresh voice and a setting that’s pure fire.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)
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