Gr 7 Up—In this sequel to On Thin Ice (Red Deer, 2006), "eco-warrior" Ashley Anowiak is fed up with the extreme climate change that is severely altering her Arctic home. Viewing Empire Oil's impact as part of the problem, she decides to set fire to an Empire company trailer to make her point. Thinking she has gotten away with her eco-crime, Ashley accepts an invitation extended to her successful musical group, the Dream Drummers, to perform at Carnegie Hall. Their journey does not end there, however, because Jack, an elderly pseudo-environmentalist of unimaginable wealth, knows she was the arsonist and blackmails her into appearing at his immense Scorched Earth concert in Australia, along with the rest of her group. During the concert, Jack tries to unleash a terrible plan to destroy all the electronic components on Earth in an attempt to bring everything "back to nature." After the plot fails, Ashley and her friends return to the Arctic, but not without being forever changed by the experience and committing to continue the fight against ecological disaster. Ashley is an appealing character, as are her musically adept adopted brother (who is blind and autistic) and friends. However, readers never get to know them in depth because every element of the story is overshadowed by the intensive ecological slant. Still, the topic is extremely timely, and Bastedo manages to pull off a story that will draw readers who enjoyed the first installment, who have a strong interest in environmental concerns, and who like unique and quirky adventures.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO
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