After the Fire

Gr 9 Up—Forced to go against the only family she has ever known, 17-year-old Moonbeam narrates a tale of survival as a member of an authoritarian religious sect, the Lord's Legion. Moonbeam passively follows the leadership provided by their charismatic prophet, Father John, who receives direct communication from God. According to Father John, their God is a controlling ruler who will severely punish any who refuse to obey. He also teaches them to severely mistrust anyone from the outside world. It's only after her mother is banned from the base that Moonbeam's eyes are opened to the true nature of the Lord's Legion. As her world crumbles, her fellow members align with dire consequences. Moonbeam's voice rings true, and readers will feel they have stepped into her world. Even though setting and characters have been altered, readers will recognize the obvious similarities to the 1993 Branch Davidian, Waco, TX, siege. Teens will be compelled to further research the events on that fateful day and its lasting cognitive effects.