by Nicole Helget
Little, Brown and Company
6/28/2018
SKU: 9780316245135
This timely coming of age novel takes on the controversial issues of fracking and environmental protection.
Stay away from my woods.
Eleven-year-old Fern doesn't have the easiest life. Her stepfather is out of work, and she's responsible for putting dinner on the table--not to mention keeping her wild younger brothers out of trouble. The woods near their home is her only refuge, where she finds food and plays with her neighbor's dog. But when a fracking company rolls into town, her special grove could be ripped away, and no one else seems to care.
Her stepfather needs the money that a job with the frackers could bring to their family, and her wealthy grandfather likes the business it brings to their town. Even her best friend doesn't understand what the land means to Fern. With no one on her side, how can she save the forest that has protected her for so long?
The acclaimed author of Wonder at the Edge of the World weaves a poignant story about life on the poverty line, the environment, friendship and family--and, most of all, finding your place in the world.
Reviews:
"Helget has penned a rich narrative, laced with astute observations on poverty, grief, forgiveness, and environmental concerns.... An uncommonly fine account of perseverance and understanding in the face of adversity." -- Booklist
"Sensitive storytelling and richly drawn characters.... A thought-provoking, timely book that's sure to prompt lively discussion, and a powerful example of nature-writing for children." -- Kate Hannigan, author of The Detective's Assistant
"A stunning take on the environment, broken families, poverty, forgiveness, and death. Helget writes with grace, elegance, and humor about coming of age in a flawed world filled with beauty and peril. A poignant, uplifting, and entirely gripping read." -- Pete Hautman, National Book Award winning author of Godless
About the Author:
Nicole Helget is the acclaimed author of the middle grade novel Wonder at the Edge of the World and The End of the Wild, as well as three adult novels, The Turtle Catcher, The Summer of Ordinary Ways, and Stillwater. She has also co-authored a middle grade novel, Horse Camp. She lives in St. Peter, Minnesota.