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

Goodreads

Rep: nonbinary mc, Mexican American pan li, lesbian side character
CWs: deadnaming
Release: 12th September 2023