THE OTHERWOODS

Monsters lure a human and their cat on a spirit realm rescue mission.

Born with the “freaking terrifying” ability to see spirits—and monsters—nonbinary 12-year-old River Rydell is cursed. Nobody believes them, least of all about the giant bug monster living under their bed. Enter Avery, the popular girl who gives River “strange butterflies in their stomach” and just might be their first real friend. Getting closer to someone unfortunately confirms River’s worst fears when a monster abducts Avery and takes her to The Otherwoods. River follows, with cat Mr. Fluffy Pancakes in tow. Uncountable dangers lurk in the realm of “monsters and never-quite-alive beings.” But can River brave it all with the help of a teenage ghost named Xavier—including facing their own self-doubt—to get the girl? Winans’ middle-grade debut is an otherworldly, atmospheric tale of self-actualization despite a doomed destiny. Gigantic animal-hybrid monsters and cryptic messages consistently up the ante. River’s winning personality and their playful friendship with Xavier alleviate the tension with humor. River and Xavier are both white; Avery is described as having a Mexican mom and American dad. Multiple characters are queer. The ending hints at a sequel while also keeping the story arc neatly contained.

Spooky, funny, and queer—what’s not to love?