katiemack's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Aside from wanting a tiny bit more oomph, I loved reading this! It's genuinely spooky and has solid nonbinary representation--I definitely got emotional hearing River talk about their perception of themself and the adults in their life--along with an engaging narrative drive. My favorite character, though, was River's cat: the protective, sassy-yet-sweet Mr. Fluffy Pancakes. (I have a gray cat at home, so I'm biased.)
It's a scary, occasionally humorous, full-throttle ride through the Otherwoods, and it's a journey I was happy to take even as a non-middle-grade reader.
Aside from wanting a tiny bit more oomph, I loved reading this! It's genuinely spooky and has solid nonbinary representation--I definitely got emotional hearing River talk about their perception of themself and the adults in their life--along with an engaging narrative drive. My favorite character, though, was River's cat: the protective, sassy-yet-sweet Mr. Fluffy Pancakes. (I have a gray cat at home, so I'm biased.)
It's a scary, occasionally humorous, full-throttle ride through the Otherwoods, and it's a journey I was happy to take even as a non-middle-grade reader.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Deadnaming
Minor: Blood
raavenreads's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I loved Justine’s debut book and was so excited to read this one. I’m not one for middle grade books but this one was actually super interesting and had my attention the whole time. I even wanted to shed a tear or 2 at the end. More and more middle grade books are coming out that explore gender identity and I’m so glad that trans kids are getting more representation. I feel like now more then ever it’s so important.
Justine’s brand of humor is great and they have the “awkward loner kid” character down perfectly. Bianca and River both resonated with me.
Of course my favorite character was Pancakes. He’s so cute on the cover! I loved him! I also really loved River. Every character tugged at my heart honesty. I feel like these books are so good because I would have loved to have had them when I was in middle school. I would have loved to have a friend like River and a book like this where I could see different types of kids being the hero for once. The subtle horror would have also held my attention when I was a kid. I also got heavy Studio Ghibli vibes from the spirit world scene which Justine told me was a heavy influence for them. I loved that!
I think that everyone who has been different and wanted to see themselves as the hero should check this book out. Even if you aren’t a middle schooler, the themes are very relatable for all ages. I highly recommend this to all readers!
I loved Justine’s debut book and was so excited to read this one. I’m not one for middle grade books but this one was actually super interesting and had my attention the whole time. I even wanted to shed a tear or 2 at the end. More and more middle grade books are coming out that explore gender identity and I’m so glad that trans kids are getting more representation. I feel like now more then ever it’s so important.
Justine’s brand of humor is great and they have the “awkward loner kid” character down perfectly. Bianca and River both resonated with me.
Of course my favorite character was Pancakes. He’s so cute on the cover! I loved him! I also really loved River. Every character tugged at my heart honesty. I feel like these books are so good because I would have loved to have had them when I was in middle school. I would have loved to have a friend like River and a book like this where I could see different types of kids being the hero for once. The subtle horror would have also held my attention when I was a kid. I also got heavy Studio Ghibli vibes from the spirit world scene which Justine told me was a heavy influence for them. I loved that!
I think that everyone who has been different and wanted to see themselves as the hero should check this book out. Even if you aren’t a middle schooler, the themes are very relatable for all ages. I highly recommend this to all readers!
tildyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alaskaslibrary's review against another edition
4.25
justine pucella winans doesn't miss and that's a fact
qemorio's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved The Otherwoods from start to finish. River sees themselves as delicate but in fact they are the exact opposite. They stand up for who they are and face down monsters literally and figuratively every day before the book's adventure really takes off. And when it does hold onto your hat and your heart. Justine Pucella Winans captures the confusing and often painful times of growing up while building a magical world to escape into. I loved watching River discover their own bravery as the story unfolds. Perfect for those readers who need a little push to see the bravery in themselves.
barberchicago_1129's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
River, 12, has seen monsters their entire life. This power has made them isolate themselves so no one around them gets hurt, and has also made them live in fear. But when their new friend, Avery, is taken by a monster into The Otherwoods, a spirit realm, River chooses to save her, even at the expense of their own life. Aided by Xavier, a spirit unable to pass on from The Otherwoods, River must complete a series of life-threatening tasks to get their friend back. But in order to do that, River will need to bravely move through their fear.
Likes: the main character. River is thoughtful, funny, unique, and tries hard to belief in themself even when others don’t. The relationship between River & Xavier - while fraught with tension & danger - had a sweet sibling vibe to it that added dimension and so much more to the story. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. And I loved the underlying feeling of acceptance that was present throughout the story.
Dislike: only one: had a hard time visualizing The Otherwoods’ residents.
Middle grade readers looking for a fright will end up with that and so much more. I’d put this one on shelves for ages 9 and up!
Likes: the main character. River is thoughtful, funny, unique, and tries hard to belief in themself even when others don’t. The relationship between River & Xavier - while fraught with tension & danger - had a sweet sibling vibe to it that added dimension and so much more to the story. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat. And I loved the underlying feeling of acceptance that was present throughout the story.
Dislike: only one: had a hard time visualizing The Otherwoods’ residents.
Middle grade readers looking for a fright will end up with that and so much more. I’d put this one on shelves for ages 9 and up!
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