Willodeen

Katherine Applegate's "Willodeen" is a poignant middle-grade novel for ages 10-14, centered on 11-year-old Willodeen, who cherishes the often-maligned creatures called screechers. Her village, Perchance, faces ecological disasters, including the mysterious disappearance of the beloved hummingbears. With the help of a magical handmade gift and her new friend Connor, Willodeen embarks on a quest to understand nature's delicate balance and advocate for its protection. This story beautifully explores themes of environmentalism, empathy for the misunderstood, and the power of a single voice to make a difference, making it an excellent choice for discussions about conservation and courage.

From #1 New York Times bestseller Katherine Applegate, a singular middle-grade novel about a girl who risks everything to help a handmade creature who comes to life. The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . . Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as “screechers.” The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature. Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why. When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she’s determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears. A timely and timeless tale about our fragile earth, and one girl’s fierce determination to make a difference.