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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.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.

Willodeen: A Novel

By: Katherine Applegate

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction

Themes: Family, Friendship, Identity, Self-Discovery

Willodeen is a coming-of-age story about a young girl growing up in rural West Virginia. The novel follows Willodeen as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescence, including her first crush, her struggles with her family, and her search for identity.

Willodeen is a strong and resilient character who is determined to overcome the challenges she faces. She is also a loyal friend and a compassionate person. Readers will root for Willodeen as she learns about herself and the world around her.

The novel is set in a small town in West Virginia, and Applegate does a wonderful job of capturing the独特的氛围of the area. The novel is full of beautiful descriptions of the natural world, and readers will feel like they are right there with Willodeen as she explores the woods and fields around her home.

Willodeen is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with readers long after they finish reading it. It is a story about family, friendship, and the importance of finding your place in the world.

Here are some additional talking points about the novel:

• The novel is written in a unique and engaging voice. Applegate uses a mix of first-person and third-person narration, which helps to create a sense of intimacy between the reader and Willodeen.
• The novel is full of well-developed characters. Willodeen is a complex and relatable protagonist, and the supporting characters are equally well-drawn.
• The novel deals with a number of important issues, including poverty, domestic violence, and teenage pregnancy. Applegate handles these issues with sensitivity and insight.
• The novel is ultimately a story of hope. Despite the challenges she faces, Willodeen never gives up on her dreams. She is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.