In this gently passionate tribute to natural spaces, a children’s debut, Moreira adeptly brings the setting to life via detailed descriptions of wildlife and foliage alongside pen illustrations from Sammie’s journal. Grounding environmental awareness and deforestation worries with Sammie’s personal struggles surrounding dealing with bullies and managing her temper, Moreira delivers a fulfilling tale.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Two children discover that a love of nature can change lives. . . . This story contains genuine tension (a threat to Winghaven’s existence), as well as accurate scientific information about the plants, birds, and insects of a New England landscape; it also includes nuanced characterization and relatable themes. . . Perhaps most importantly, though, the ending is immensely satisfying and encouraging for readers. . . . Empowering.
—Kirkus Reviews
Poet and science journalist Moreira’s debut children’s novel will educate and empower conservation-minded readers, as it’s chock-full of nature facts and examples of real citizen science. . . Sammie’s story will appeal to anyone who likes to marvel at the natural world up close, particularly readers who are as zealous about science as she is.
—Booklist
Poised between novel and information book, this story features Samantha, an eleven-year-old wildlife enthusiast who finds joy and excitement in a neglected natural area she christens Winghaven. . . . Samantha’s field notebook of observations and sketches provides a parallel narrative and could certainly inspire young citizen scientists and activists.
—The Horn Book
This beautifully written story, full of details about the natural world, includes . . . field illustrations as well as real-life notes on keeping a nature journal, studying monarchs, and bird-watching.
—School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox
I have to give Naila Moreira a huge high five for bringing her love of the natural world to life with this superb middle-grade novel. If it doesn’t make readers want to go out and connect with the green and growing (and flying and burrowing) world right outside their doors, I will be surprised. It is a story about children trying to save natural spaces, written with a poet’s ear. A lovely, compelling book.
—Jane Yolen, award-winning author of Owl Moon, You Nest Here with Me, and An Egret’s Day
Nature journalists, sharpen your pencils. Follow Sammie and Bram as they trek into the wilderness of Winghaven and intrepidly model citizen science and activism for young readers. This meticulously researched eco-novel meets the moment and shows us how a connection to the natural world inspires connections between us all.
—Elaine Dimopoulos, author of The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow
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