• Age: 12 to 15
• Grade: 7 to 10
• Reading age: 12 to 15

Flames follow high schooler and aspiring movie star Harry Flanagan wherever he goes.

Despite a disastrous attempt at driving a bike through a burning refrigerator box in second grade, high schooler Harry Flanagan never gives up his goal of becoming a movie star or at least a stuntman. However, since the bicycle episode, it seems as if fires pop up everywhere Harry goes, earning him the infamous nickname of "Harry Flammable."

Now a shed at Harry’s school has been set on fire, destroying Work Experience Counsellor Shamberg’s new mountain bike – and Harry’s charred cap was found at the scene. Harry’s dream Work Experience placement with Pocket Money Pictures is given to another student, and Harry is forced to take a position with Chef Antonio at the restaurant in The Ritz, the hotel Pocket Money Pictures’ staff is staying at while filming a historical adventure flick set in China.

Will Harry find a new way into the movie of his dreams, or will he be forced to endure a placement he hates and an inevitable kitchen fire … or two?

 

Frank O'Keeffe moved to Canada from Dublin, Ireland, shortly after finishing high school. He has published several children's and juvenile novels, including If It Rains Again Tomorrow Can We Go Home?, Weekend at the Ritz, and Nancy Nylen, which was shortlisted for the R. Ross Annett Award for Children's Literature. Frank now lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Frank O'Keeffe's profile page

• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom selection

In a YA field that is crowded with dystopias, disaster and death, Harry Flammable stands out as a completely unique and funny novel that will appeal to both avid and reluctant male readers.

Canadian Children’s Book News

Frank O’Keeffe’s latest book, Harry Flammable, is aimed for the young adult market but the whole family could benefit from reading this book.

Harry Flammable

by Clara Hamrock

Harry Flammable is a riveting read. It keeps you entertained from the beginning to the end, i could not put it down. I started to relate to Harry in a way; getting blamed from things he didn't do. As the book went on I started to hope harry would get his dream job. In the end it was very dramatic and I felt as though i was there. All around a very good book.

Harry Flammable

by lana roberts

I would like to give my comments on a book I've recently read.Harry Flammable by Frank O' Keeffe. This is a YA book. I really enjoyed it.I think this book would be enjoyed by both adults and teenagers alike. I found it humorous with several twists and turns. I enjoyed the character of Aunt Phyllis, and the interaction between her and Harry's father. Having worked in the hotel industry myself in the past I could relate to the part where the bathrobe went on fire in the hotel kitchen!This book held my attention right to the end. My children who are 11 and 15 respectively, a boy and a girl, both thoroughly enjoyed it too. A really great read which I highly recommend.