About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to notice that history is not just a school subject, but a messy, living thing that shapes their own family and home. Otherwood is perfect for the middle-schooler who feels a sense of mystery in the natural world or who is navigating a friendship that is changing as they grow up. It addresses the weight of family secrets and how the past can physically and emotionally haunt the present. The story follows Stuey and Elly Rose, whose discovery of a thin spot in reality leads to a time-bending mystery involving their own ancestors. As they uncover a dark history of betrayal and racism, they must decide how to set things right. The book explores accountability and the ripple effects of our choices with a blend of magical realism and historical fiction. It is a sophisticated read for ages 10 to 14 that handles heavy themes of justice and legacy with a hopeful, curious tone.
