Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (animal caught in trap, tormented).
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
11yo Maggie stutters. She dreads reading aloud in class - in fact, she avoids it. Her father wants to send her away to Granville - a children's hospital. Maggie has heard that they mistreat the patients there. Her parents agree to one last chance and send Maggie to live in the country (Cornwall) with her maternal grandfather. Maggie adores animals - in fact, her stutter doesn't happen when she is talking to them. At her grandfather's, Maggie loves exploring Wildoak, an ancient woods near his home. A large cat - a snow leopard purchased as a pet from Herrod's (yes that was a thing in the 1960s) has been released into the woods and Maggie discovers it caught in a trap. As the two form a cautious bond, Maggie must learn to speak clearly when she's the only one who can stand up for the Leopard - and also for herself.
This is my current favorite book! I've been telling everyone about Wildoak, and I am so happy to recommend it here. A well told story with an environmental message as well. I loved Harrington's depiction of Maggie's stutter. I can think of so many kids I'd recommend this to - animal lovers for sure, kids who like a fast-paced story with a little danger, and also for readers who like stories set in England (like the War the Saved my Life). The characters are British.
Lisa Librarian
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