About This Book
A parent should reach for this book when their child is wrestling with the 'in-between' feeling of growing up, specifically when they feel they don't quite fit into their social circle or their family's expectations. Serafina is a unique heroine who lives in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, caught between the refined world of 1890s high society and her wild, shapeshifting heritage in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As she faces a terrifying new threat to her home, she must navigate feelings of isolation and the fear that she is too 'different' to be loved. This historical fantasy serves as a powerful metaphor for the transition into adolescence, where children often feel like they are wearing a mask to please others. The story deals with themes of self-acceptance, the complexity of friendship, and the courage required to embrace one's true nature. While it contains spooky, gothic elements and moments of peril, it provides a safe space for 9 to 12 year olds to explore their own emerging identities and the scary parts of finding their place in the world.
