The opinions expressed in this review are those of the reviewers. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of nospoilerreview.com, its owners, or its staff. This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.
Let’s talk about Willodeen by Katherine Applegate. From #1 New York Times bestseller Katherine Applegate, a singular middle-grade novel about a girl who risks everything to help a handmade creature who comes to life.
Note: Our reviews will contain just the basics – no spoilers. We hope they will help you find something new to watch, read, and listen to as well as tv shows, movies, books and podcasts to avoid completely!
Willodeen
Author: Katherine Applegate
Genre: Middle-Grade (ages 9-12)
Pages: 272
Released: 2021
Book Summary:
The earth is old, and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . .
Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as “screechers.” The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature.
Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why.
When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she’s determined to speak up for the animals she loves and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears.
A timely and timeless tale about our fragile earth and one girl’s fierce determination to make a difference.
Sarah’s Review:
Willodeen is targeted towards children ages 8-12, but I think reading on their own is better for ages 10-12 and can be enjoyed from the age of 5 and up if read aloud with a parent. Some words may not be in the vocabulary yet for kids ages 5-9ish but can be determined using context clues and through quick discussions while reading with an adult.
If your child loves animals and nature, they will love the whimsical setting of Perchance, the village that the main character, Willodeen, calls home. WIllodeen is ten and turns 11 in this story. She is an introvert by nature and prefers to spend her time in the woods, observing the magical hummingbears that Perchance is famously home to and the dreaded screechers. They stink and screech and are being driven to extinction by the villagers. Through an unexpected friendship and a little magic, we see Willodeen find her purpose in her quest to save the screechers and perhaps even her whole town. This story has an underlying theme of environmental consciousness and an important lesson about learning to live alongside nature and the gifts the earth has to offer, even if it takes almost losing these gifts to understand their true purpose.
I give Willodeen by Katherine Applegate 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.2/5 Goodreads
Have you read Willodeen by Katherine Applegate yet? Let me know what you think about it in the comments below. Don’t forget to visit often to find out what book you should read next, which tv show or movie you should watch next, and what podcast you should listen to next. We will also be sharing new releases, canceled shows, and more! Thank you for visiting no spoiler reviews!
- In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren - July 18, 2022
- The Collective by Alison Gaylin - July 17, 2022
- Willodeen by Katherine Applegate - July 11, 2022
