The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · Est. 7 hour read

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest

Written by Aubrey Hartman

An undead fox's routine shatters when a badger soul defies the afterlife.

4.4 Goodreads · 4,586 ratings
320 pages· 51,456 words· Est. 7 hour read· ~830L
$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

In Deadwood Forest, Clare, an undead fox, guides souls to the afterlife. His routine is disrupted when Gingersnipes, a badger soul, cannot move on. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to consult Hesterfowl, a prophetic grouse. What they discover could alter the balance between life and death, forcing Clare to confront his own fate. Can Clare solve the mystery and restore order, or will the forest's secrets consume them both?

From the publisher

This delightfully grim tale is a heartwarming exploration of moving on, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton! Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive–just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place. Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead. Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl–the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.

Awards

Newbery Honor (2026)
At a glance
Format
Pages
320
Words
51,456
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
~830L
Themes & topics
Books about friendshipBooks about animalsBooks about deathBooks about foxesBooks about the future
The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5.3
F&P level
~T
AR points
8
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
555214
Publication
Published
February 25, 2025
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780316575720

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