The Wood

Gr 9 Up—The wood is a dangerous setting where travelers from other places and times slip in through portals. After her father's disappearance, Winter becomes the guardian of the wood. She cannot move away or ignore the wood's ominous pull. There are rules that her father has drilled into her. Stay on the path. Leave the wood before dark. All travelers must return to their homes. The wood is changing—dying. A British traveler from the 18th century convinces Winter that the wood can be saved, but evil forces are at work. Henry promises that he arrived to find his own parents, but he may have other motives. The wood becomes menacing, hungry, and watchful. The rules have altered, and unless Winter figures them out, everything will be in peril. Henry and Winter share flirtatious repartee and a sizzling chemistry, but the wood takes center stage as the main character and driving force of the plot. This interesting twist in storytelling makes this title a standout.