Willa of the Wood

Robert Beatty

62 pages 2-hour read

Robert Beatty

Willa of the Wood

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

Robert Beatty

Willa of the Wood

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

378

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Children`s Literature

Action & Adventure
Setting

Great Smoky Mountains • 1900s

Theme
Grief

Childhood & Youth

Family
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty follows Willa, a young Faeran girl living in the Great Smoky Mountains. As a night-spirit of the wood, she grapples with her clan's values while discovering a connection to humans. Willa's journey explores themes of identity, belonging, and the interplay between nature and human encroachment.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Inspirational

Fantastical

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty has been praised for its captivating storytelling and rich setting, immersing readers in a mystical world rooted in Cherokee folklore. The protagonist, Willa, is a compelling and relatable character, with strong themes of nature and identity. However, some critics note occasional pacing issues. Overall, it delivers an enchanting and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Willa of the Wood?

A reader who enjoys Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty likely appreciates historical fantasy intertwined with nature and adventure. Comparable to fans of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman or The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy, they cherish richly woven tales of magic and courage in mystical settings.

Character List

A 12-year-old Faeran girl with unique abilities, who evolves from a young thief to someone deeply connected with nature and various communities.

A human homesteader in the Smoky Mountains who becomes a crucial mentor and father figure to Willa, helping her navigate new experiences.

The imposing spiritual leader of the Faeran people, whose control and deception present significant challenges for Willa.

Willa's wise and protective grandmother, serving as her mentor and the last link to the old ways of the Faeran tribe.

A cunning and possessive jaetter who stands as Willa's antagonist within her peer group, embodying negative masculinity.

Nathaniel’s three children, who play important roles in Willa’s acceptance into a new family, each characterized by distinct traits and circumstances.

Book Details
Pages

378

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Children`s Literature

Action & Adventure
Setting

Great Smoky Mountains • 1900s

Theme
Grief

Childhood & Youth

Family
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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