Things Finley Hart doesn't want to talk about: Her parents, who are having problems. (But they pretend like they're not.) Being sent to her grandparents' house for the summer. Never having met said grandparents. Her blue days -- when life feels overwhelming, and it's hard to keep her head up. (This happens a lot.)
Finley's only retreat is the Everwood, a forest kingdom that exists in the pages of her notebook. Until she discovers the endless woods behind her grandparents' house and realizes the Everwood is real -- and holds more mysteries than she'd ever imagined, including a family of pirates that she isn't allowed to talk to, trees covered in ash, and a strange old wizard living in a house made of bones.
With the help of her cousins, Finley sets out on a mission to save the dying Everwood and uncover its secrets. But as the mysteries pile up and the frightening sadness inside her grows, Finley realizes that if she wants to save the Everwood, she'll first have to save herself.
"A multilayered plot, engaging characters, and more than one mystery highlight this ambitious novel....Multiple supporting characters are well drawn, becoming further developed as Finley learns more about each one. The central mystery, involving a fire, takes a while to resolve, but it's really Finley and her developing relationships with her extended family members that resonate most strongly. Though the measured pace and mix of narrative styles will challenge some readers, Legrand successfully weaves it all into a rich, nuanced tale that culminates in a convincing and satisfying conclusion." -- Steven Engelfried, School Library Journal
Recommended Age | 9 - 12 |
---|---|
Author | Claire Legrand |
ISBN | 1442466014 |
Publication Date | May 17, 2016 |
Publisher | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers |
Language | English |