Cover Crush: The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans
The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans is a Middle Grade queer paranormal story perfect for spooky season! And yes, it is time to start the spooky season -have you been to the craft/home stores yet?! The Otherwoods is a spirit world that, River, a nonbinary kid can see, and must cross into to help find his missing friend (and crush), but at least he has his cat for protection! Many YA readers will recognize Justine’s name from their stunning YA debut, Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything, and if you are like us here at #TeamBookCrushin, spooky MG is such a vibe! Preorder before the September 12th release and submit for a cute limited edition sticker sheet!
Illustrator: Kristina Kister
Designer: Jeanette Levy
Thank you to Bloomsbury for the advance copy!
The Otherwoods
by Justine Pucella WinansPublished by: Bloomsbury Publishing
on September 12, 2023
Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Paranormal, Thriller
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The Otherwoods is calling. And it won't be ignored.
Some would call River Rydell a 'chosen one': born with the ability to see monsters and travel to a terrifying spirit world called The Otherwoods, they have all the makings of a hero. But River just calls themself unlucky. After all, it's not like anyone actually believes River can see these things-or that anyone even believes monsters exist in the first place. So the way River sees it, it's better to keep their head down and ignore anything Otherwoods related.
But The Otherwoods won't be ignored any longer.
When River's only friend (and crush) Avery is kidnapped and dragged into The Otherwoods by monsters, River has no choice but to confront the world they've seen only in their nightmares-but reality turns out be more horrifying than they could have ever imagined. With only their cat for protection and a wayward teen spirit as their guide, River must face the monsters of The Otherwoods and their own fears to save Avery and become the hero they were (unfortunately) destined to be.
Justine Pucella Winans will have you cowering and cackling as you follow River's reluctant hero's journey, perfect for fans of Doll Bones, Ghost Squad, and Too Bright to See.