Willa of the Wood

Robert Beatty's "Willa of the Wood" introduces readers to Willa, a twelve-year-old night-spirit living in the Great Smoky Mountains in the late 1800s. Raised to fear and distrust the "day-folk" (humans) who are encroaching on her forest home, Willa's world is turned upside down after a mission goes awry. Stranded in the human world, she forms an unexpected bond with a day-folk family, challenging her ingrained prejudices and uncovering ancient truths about her own people, the Faeran. This thrilling fantasy adventure explores themes of identity, empathy, environmentalism, and the courage to question tradition, making it suitable for readers aged 8-12 who enjoy immersive worlds and strong protagonists. Parents should be aware of themes of prejudice and environmental destruction, which can spark important discussions.

In the late 1800s, a twelve-year-old nightspirit living in the Great Smoky Mountains despairs as homesteaders destroy her forest habitat, until a chance encounter with a "day-folk" man changes everything she thought she knew about her people--and their greatest enemy.