“The Otherwoods” is my second middle grade book (that I’ve read outside of elementary/middle school, lol), and I couldn’t have wished for a better experience!! I loved Justine Pucella Winans’ YA debut, “Bianca Torre Is Afraid Of Everything”, and this was no different. This was a blast. Dare I say that MG fantasy suits Winans’ writing style a lot more than I expected it to?!? River was a nonbinary protagonist that, while not an exact reflection of my personality from around their age, I wish I got to have when I was younger, and I really rooted for because Winans has a knack for writing anxious enby kids god bless. Their dynamic with Xavier was super cute, I thought their accidental “found family” relationship was earned, and I’m still in a little pain from that twist oof!

Also, (MR FLUFFY) PANCAKES <3!!! I already love cats, but I’m glad that we got to have an alive emotional support one for the duration of this eerie story. The way he was in-tune with River’s emotions, but also realistically catlike in his own wants/goals sometimes, reminded me of my own cat. (Sadie dearest, that’s why I’d put down my book just to pet you more times than the usual)

And as a fantasy, I can totally see the target demographic (middle schoolers and older elementary schoolers) eating this up! I love the descriptions for each fantastical part of The Otherwoods, and as an adventure with some creepy parts to it(not anything *scary*, but the Centertrees were a little horrifying!!), this was fun enough that I whizzed through the pages past the first quarter. That first 25% is a little rough because of all the gaslighting. (The consequences of being the only kid to see spirits and monsters…)

If you’re into middle grades and you like casual queer rep PLEASE check this one out!!