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.

4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,441 ratings
320 pages· 51,456 words· Est. 7 hour read
$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

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
Themes & topics
Books about friendshipBooks about animalsBooks about deathBooks about foxesBooks about the future
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Aubrey Hartman

Explore Aubrey's bookshelf
The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor
Sale price
$1699

The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor

Ages 8–12 · 2023
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

When You Trap a Tiger

Ages 8–12 · 2020
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1499

Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure

Ages 8–12 · 2016

The Thing About Jellyfish

Ages 10–13 · 2015

Pax

Ages 8–12 · 2016

Orphans of the Tide

Ages 9–12 · 2020

The Probability of Everything

Ages 8–12 · 2023
The Honest Truth
Sale price
$799

The Honest Truth

Ages 8–12 · 2015
The Light in the Lake
Sale price
$799

The Light in the Lake

Ages 9–12 · 2019
The fine print

Book details

Publication
Published
February 25, 2025
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780316575720

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Literary Leslie

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo