Twelve-year-old River Rydell can see spirits, both human and monster. But while some might view this as a gift, to River, it’s “freaking terrifying.” It also makes River act oddly at times, which doesn’t help them at school, where they are already viewed as odd and talked about behind their back for being nonbinary. One teacher even repeatedly deadnames them (although author Justine Pucella Winans admirably never explicitly states River’s deadname or gender assigned at birth).
River’s parents have been supportive of their nonbinary identity, “try[ing] even when they don’t completely understand.” What their parents don’t understand, though, is River’s ability to see spirits. Overall, River spends time by themself and tries not to stick out.
The human spirits River can hear have warned them against going into The Otherwoods, where the monster spirits reign—but The Otherwoods keep calling to them, much as River tries to ignore them. When monsters kidnap River’s friend (and crush) Avery and drag her into The Otherwoods, however, River feels it is their responsibility to follow, aided only by their cat, the embarrassingly named Mr. Fluffy Pancakes.
In The Otherwoods, they meet a teen spirit named Xavier, who becomes their sibling-like guide. Together, they encounter frightening monsters and other challenges as they search for Avery. Some unexpected twists keep this from being a straightforward quest, though. Yet despite the challenges and their own self-doubt, River seems destined for a hero’s path. Can they find the bravery in themself to continue, even if it means sacrificing everything?
While River’s nonbinary identity is not in itself the main driver of the plot, it clearly influences their view of themself and the world. When Xavier is wondering whether he (Xavier) really exists, for example, River reflects, “I do know what it’s like to wonder why I do [exist]. Honestly, there’s a lot of people who like to pretend I don’t.” Later, they observe, “When enough people don’t believe you, it is so much harder to hold onto that brilliant light that is the belief in yourself.”
Fearsome monsters, mysterious clues, original worldbuilding, and exciting battles make this a thrilling read, even as it weaves in deeper messages about friendship and belief in oneself. Additional queer characters are also woven in along the way, including a lesbian woman, a pansexual girl, and a boy who might be gay or bi. It’s a recommended tale about a reluctant hero, with both a satisfying ending and a clear hook for a sequel.
River and Xavier are White; Avery has a Mexican mom and an American dad.
