What is going on! Is this a mystery? Is it a horror story? Or is it something else altogether?  The characters certainly are wondering this, and it is also what the reader will be thinking as they turn the pages of the book. And, this is a good thing.  When was the last time you read a book that kept you off-kilter?

A group of children become lost in the woods and things become strange, frightening, and confusing.  This is a quick read and the desire to figure out what is going on makes it a difficult book to put down so plan on devouring in a single sitting.  There are three major reveals or twists in this book that will surprise the reader, and they are artfully executed.

This book will appeal to both female and male readers.  As an age recommendation, it is probably best for fifth grade and up, as it takes some mental dot-connecting for everything to click into place. This is a clever book that might appeal to lovers of When You Reach Me.  (Oh, and be sure to read author’s notes at the end to tie it all up.)

Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Delacorte Books

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  1 mild obscenity.

Violence/Gore:  Character says there is a man in the woods who eats children; frightening scene where characters are chased through the woods by a scary figure; character hits head and is knocked unconscious; scary scene where laughter is heard; character sees or thinks they seea strange/scary illusion; scary/confusing scene trying to free a trapped person and hearing distant sounds; character talks about seeing planes and bodies in the water; extended scene where characters see and experience bombing, falling buildings, destruction.

Sex/Nudity:  Character says there is kissing in the future.

Mature Subject Matter:

Family strife, bullying, polio, alcoholism, war.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

It is said that a character’s father drinks, sometimes too much.