For children who feel different or protective of nature, this magical story explores courage, belonging, and the power of finding your voice amidst grief.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grieving a loss and feeling like an outsider, struggling to find their voice. It tells the story of eleven-year-old Theo, who, in the wake of her mother's death, discovers she can communicate with the magical Lockwood trees that her mother loved. When a strange blight and monstrous creatures threaten the forest, Theo must find the courage to speak up and protect her home. This book beautifully weaves together a magical eco-fantasy with a deeply resonant exploration of grief, belonging, and bravery. For ages 8 to 12, it offers a gentle, hopeful story that acknowledges the pain of loss while empowering children to find strength in their unique gifts and connections.
Includes descriptions of strange, monstrous creatures and moments of peril.
Sensitive Topics
The central sensitive topic is the death of a parent. Theo's grief is the emotional core of the story and is handled directly and with nuance. It is not an inciting incident but an ongoing state that she is learning to navigate. The approach is secular. The resolution is hopeful, not in that the grief is cured, but in that Theo finds community, purpose, and a way to integrate her loss into her identity.
Ideal Reader
A sensitive, nature-loving child aged 9-11 who feels misunderstood or is navigating a significant loss (a death, a move, a friendship ending). This book is perfect for the quiet child who finds solace in the outdoors and would be inspired by a story where their gentle, observant nature becomes a superpower.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the depiction of grief is candid and may surface complex emotions for a child who has experienced a similar loss. Previewing the first few chapters, which establish Theo's sadness, could be helpful. The descriptions of the monstrous "Grubs" might be frightening for more sensitive younger readers in this age bracket. The book can be read cold, but framing it as a story about sadness, magic, and courage can be beneficial. A parent has noticed their child has become more withdrawn, quiet, or seems to be carrying a heavy emotional weight. The child might express feeling different or lonely, or the parent may observe them showing a profound empathy for nature, perhaps talking to plants or animals as a way to cope.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely be captivated by the magic, the monsters, and the mystery-solving adventure. They will understand Theo is sad but focus more on the external plot. An older reader (10-12) will connect more deeply with the complex emotional landscape: Theo's nuanced grief, her strained but loving relationship with her sister, and the thematic layers of environmental justice and corporate responsibility.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books that use grief as a backstory, this novel intrinsically links the protagonist's emotional healing with the healing of the natural world. Theo's grief is the very thing that unlocks her magical ability. The eco-fantasy element is not just a backdrop for an adventure; it is a direct, powerful metaphor for processing loss and finding the strength to grow again.
Read plot summary
Eleven-year-old Theo is grappling with the recent death of her mother while living with her grandmother and older sister. She discovers she has a magical ability to communicate with the ancient Lockwood trees, a connection her mother also shared. When a mysterious blight begins to kill the forest and monstrous creatures called Grubs appear, Theo realizes it's connected to a greedy land developer. She teams up with a new friend, Brooks, to uncover the source of the blight, find her own voice, and protect the forest that is her last link to her mom.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Theo believes her grief makes her 'weird' and different. How does her friendship with Brooks help her see herself differently? Have you ever felt like your feelings made you an outsider?
2
The Lockwood trees communicate and protect each other as a community. In what ways do Theo, her sister, her grandmother, and Brooks start to act like the Lockwood grove to solve the problem?
3
At the start of the book, Theo's voice is very quiet, but by the end she speaks up to save the forest. What were some of the small moments of courage that helped her find her voice?
4
Mr. Sterling wants to clear the forest for his development, which he believes is a good thing. Why do you think it was so hard for him to understand the forest's importance to Theo and her family?
