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Staff Pick
11-year-old Willodeen is the only one in Perchance with love for some of the more unfavorable creatures in the surrounding wilderness, notably the disruptive (and smelly!) Screechers. Her empathy and penchant for quiet observation mean she’s the first to notice how disruptions in the ecosystem may be the root of the village’s trouble. This fairy tale-like story mixes Willodeen’s determination with a little bit of magic to encourage young readers to speak up, harness their anger, and never stop caring deeply for the world around them. Recommended By Sarah R., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
From #1 New York Times bestseller Katherine Applegate, a singular middle-grade novel about a girl who risks everything to help her handmade bear when he comes to life.
The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . .
Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as "screechers." The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature.
Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why.
When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she's determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears.
A timely and timeless tale about our fragile earth, and one girl's fierce determination to make a difference.
Review
"Applegate's gentle yet honest tale mixes magic with very real environmental messaging, both warning of human-caused harm and pointing to nature's resilience and interconnectedness. ...Applegate empowers her young characters by not only granting them courage but also ensuring they earn the respect of their elders." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"Employing flawlessly simple, candid prose that belies deeper messages, Newbery Medalist Applegate again considers the complex relationship between humans and the natural world... Fiercely protective Willodeen is easy to champion, and her belief that 'nature knows more than we do' is a message worth sharing." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
About the Author
Katherine Applegate is the New York Times bestselling author of Wishtree, Crenshaw, and Home of the Brave, all from Feiwel & Friends, as well The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, and its sequel The One and Only Bob. She lives in Southern California with her family.