Annabelle of the Forest

Whispering Wildwood

The Shaman Boy

The Wolf's Curse

The Language of Ghosts

The Willow Tree's Daughter (The Floramonde Books)

Shuna's Journey

The Nightsilver Promise

"Mara Rutherford’s The Poison Season took me on journey through a bloodthirsty forest, where two star-crossed lovers discover the true meaning of poison. It brims with evocative storytelling that left me enchanted!" — Emily J. Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique

Outsiders are always given a the Forest or the lake. Either way, they’re never heard from again.

Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.

When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.

Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

Annabelle of the Forest

Mellyberry Mellyberry, 2011

Whispering Wildwood

Emma Sterner-Radley, 2020

The Shaman Boy

Caroline Pitcher, 2007

The Wolf's Curse

Jessica Vitalis, 2021

The Language of Ghosts

Heather Fawcett, 2020

The Willow Tree's Daughter (The Floramonde Books)

Pamela Freeman, 1994

Shuna's Journey

Hayao Miyazaki, Alex Dudok de Wit, 1983

The Nightsilver Promise

Annaliese Avery, 2021