Just a quick intro to this post from us today, in the interests of getting straight to the point. Have you been craving some creepy middle grade lit in your life? Well, make sure you have your eye on Justina Pucella Winans’ middle grade debut, The Otherwoods, because it fits the criteria entirely! And it’s out tomorrow, so only a few hours wait!
And also only a few hours left to make sure you have your copy to start rightaway!
The Otherwoods is calling. And it won’t be ignored.
Some would call River Rydell a ‘chosen one’: born with the ability to see monsters and travel to a terrifying spirit world called The Otherwoods, they have all the makings of a hero. But River just calls themself unlucky. After all, it’s not like anyone actually believes River can see these things-or that anyone even believes monsters exist in the first place. So the way River sees it, it’s better to keep their head down and ignore anything Otherwoods related.
But The Otherwoods won’t be ignored any longer.
When River’s only friend (and crush) Avery is kidnapped and dragged into The Otherwoods by monsters, River has no choice but to confront the world they’ve seen only in their nightmares-but reality turns out be more horrifying than they could have ever imagined. With only their cat for protection and a wayward teen spirit as their guide, River must face the monsters of The Otherwoods and their own fears to save Avery and become the hero they were (unfortunately) destined to be.
Justine Pucella Winans will have you cowering and cackling as you follow River’s reluctant hero’s journey, perfect for fans of Doll Bones, Ghost Squad, and Too Bright to See.
The Otherwoods
Justine Pucella Winans
Rep: nonbinary mc, Mexican American pan li, lesbian side character
CWs: deadnaming
Release: 12th September 2023
Five Reasons to Read This Book
One. For all that LGBT middle grade lit is growing rapidly, there are still a few genres in which you’re less likely to see rep, namely fiction that isn’t contemporary. So, for all you horror readers out there, The Otherwoods is a perfect new edition to the middle grade canon. Want your books full of creepy monsters under your bed? Ones who may or may not want to eat you? Well, look no further!
Two. River Rydell very much does not want to be the hero, thank you very much. In fact, for a lot of the book, they’re actively trying to avoid having anything to do with The Otherwoods. Which, let’s be honest, you find yourself able to see monsters that no one else can, monsters who want to suck you into their world and do who knows what? Yeah, I would be running away for one, and I’m glad River agrees.
Three. I kind of mentioned this before, but if you’re looking for creepy middle grade, then this book will be right up your alley. Not outright scary (mostly, at least), its horror is in the sense of unease that River feels. The unknown purpose for which the Otherwoods wants them, culminating in some quite unnerving scenes towards the end. And, alright, the monsters that stalk them are a little bit freaky.
Four. Pancakes — or to give him his full title, Mr Fluffy Pancakes — is a character who deserves his own entire point, so his own entire point he will be getting! Who doesn’t love a good old animal companion in their books? Pancakes fulfils the role to perfection, although I have to admit I’m amazed he never ran off throughout the story. My own cat would have bolted within seconds!
Five. This is a story about facing your fears and finding community-slash-family. As noted before, River really does not want to be a hero, and is actually pretty terrified of the idea of the Otherwoods (understandably). But, with help along the way, they come to be able to face down their fears and stand up for themself, not only in the Otherwoods, but their own world as well.
So, have we convinced you that you want to read this book?
