First Chapter Friday Burn the Water by Billy Ray || Ch 1 Read Aloud

Описание: Each Friday I share the first chapter of a book perfect for middle school and young adult readers—and today’s pick is a sweeping dystopian adventure filled with danger, loyalty, and forbidden love. It’s Burn the Water by award-winning screenwriter Billy Ray, best known for adapting The Hunger Games for the big screen.

Watch until the end for two special features:
✨ a mystery quote reveal (shared one word at a time)
✨ an author interview with Billy Ray, where he talks about creating this immersive world and the inspiration behind the story.

About the Book: The year is 2425, and London is underwater. After rising oceans drowned much of the English Isle centuries ago, the remnants of humanity survive among ruined skyscrapers and submerged streets. Two rival factions—the Crowns and the Rogues—have been locked in a brutal war for generations.

Rafe is the fiercest captain in the Rogue army.
Jule is the deadliest soldier fighting for the Crowns.

They are sworn enemies.
They are legendary warriors.

And then… they fall in love.

In a world defined by loyalty and violence, their forbidden relationship could mean death—not just for them, but for the fragile balance between the warring Houses. When mysterious newcomers arrive, threatening everything that remains of civilization, Rafe and Jule may be the only hope for breaking a cycle of hatred centuries in the making.

🔥 Burn the Water blends epic romance, dystopian world-building, and high-stakes action, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, futuristic adventure stories, and enemies-to-lovers romance.

✨ Teachers: This First Chapter Friday read-aloud is perfect for discussions about dystopian fiction, environmental themes, loyalty vs. morality, and how authors build tension and complex character relationships.

Helpful Classroom Links
📺 First Chapter Friday Playlist:
   • First Chapter Friday and Author Interviews...  

📝 2026 First Chapter Friday Student Engagement Worksheet Pack:
Coming Soon!

📚 FULL First Chapter Friday Worksheet Bundle:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/P...

🏫 Word Nerd Collaborative: www.wordnerdcollaborative.com

Music Credit: Amanda Zieba + Suno Pro (2026)
Slide Design: Amanda Zieba + Canvo Pro (2026)

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