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English
Nancy Paulsen Books
27 January 2026
Wishtree meets Song for a Whale, in this beautifully moving story about a boy whose wish for his family to return to the way it used to be, teaches him the real meaning of roots and the new ones that can grow if we let them.
* ""A must-have book for children on the edge of teenager-hood, and those experiencing difficult transitions."" -School Library Journal, starred review

Wishtree meets Song for a Whale, in this beautifully moving story about a boy whose wish for his family to return to the way it used to be, teaches him the real meaning of roots and the new ones that can grow if we let them.

Ever since getting a little stepbrother named Harlan, Denver hasn't felt like he fits into his own family. Lots of people find Harlan charming, but not Denver. His pesky stepbrother tags along everywhere Denver goes, breaking things and wanting Denver's attention every. single. second. After an especially disastrous morning, Denver escapes to the forest, experiencing a whiff of ancient magic when he meets an old and dignified but lonely tree named Spiro. When Spiro offers to turn Harlan into a tree for a few hours, Denver jumps at the chance-only to realize he's made a mistake when nobody, including his mom and stepdad, seems to remember Harlan existed. And now Spiro isn't certain he can reverse the transformation.

To save Harlan, Denver will need to find out what happened to Spiro to make him so disconnected from the other trees in the forest . . . but to do so the change he might have to make first is within himself.
By:  
Imprint:   Nancy Paulsen Books
Country of Publication:   United States
Dimensions:   Height: 217mm,  Width: 148mm,  Spine: 23mm
Weight:   289g
ISBN:   9780593860304
ISBN 10:   0593860306
Pages:   208
Publication Date:  
Recommended Age:   From 10 years
Audience:   Children/juvenile ,  English as a second language
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Celesta Rimington writes fantastical middle grade books that are inspired by her childhood living in nearly every region of the United States, where she discovered that all places have whispers of magic, people to love, and weather worth describing. She has presented to thousands of students throughout the country about resilience and creative writing. Her highly praised first novel, The Elephant's Girl, won the Reading the West Book Award for Young Readers and was named on eight state lists. Celesta holds a degree in social psychology and resides in Utah where she can often be found in the boxing gym or exploring mountain forests with her family and her Yorkie, Winston.

Reviews for Reach

Praise for Reach: “A heartwarming and magical story for any reader searching for where they truly belong in a family. Kids will be drawn into Denver's satisfying journey of finding family roots and unexpected connections.” —J.L. Esplin, author of 96 Miles “A beautiful story of love and connection for anyone who's ever felt like a stranger in their own family.” —PJ Gardner, author of the Horace & Bunwinkle series and The Great Zoodini Praise The Elephant's Girl: A Junior Library Guild Selection 2021-2022 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List Pick 2024 Grand Canyon Reader Award List (AZ) 2022-2023 Mark Twain Readers Award List (MO) 2022-2023 Virginia Readers’ Choice Award Master List 2022 Children’s Sequoyah Book Awards Master List (OK) 2021-2022 Volunteer State Book Award List (TN) 2021-2022 Keystone to Reading Book Award List (PA) 2020 Northern Lights Book Award Winner 2020 Reading the West (Mountains and Plains Independent Bookseller Association) Book Award Winner “Mixing realism, fantasy, and information about elephants, the author presents well-rounded, often mischievous human characters, and the unlikely focal setting of the zoo entices readers to fantasize about living there. Lex’s investigation reveals a puzzle that may contain answers about her past, and readers will eagerly accompany her as she works to crack it.” —Booklist “Poignant...An already engaging tale of life at a zoo turns into a mystery...[and] a bittersweet ending completes the story's magic and mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews “Skillfully paced with just the right amount of tension, this offers a thoughtful look at how our past shapes our present, and how, similarly, memory is shaped by our current circumstances.” —BCCB “This story of friendship includes magical realism, mystery, and adventure that is sure to capture young readers’ attention. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo.” —School Library Journal


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