The Witch of the Dark Wood
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$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2026

The Witch of the Dark Wood

Written by Sarah Van Goethem

A hidden key leads a girl toward the forbidden forest behind her grandmother's farm.

4.3 Goodreads · 72 ratings
272 pages· 650L· AR ~4.2
$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

When Tilly Dewberry and her father move into Nana Mae's old farmhouse, Tilly can't accept that her grandmother, now suffering severe memory loss, has gone to a nursing home. Then she finds a key hidden in an old oak near the Dark Wood, where Nana Mae always said a witch lived. Could it be a clue? A contemporary gothic middle-grade mystery about friendship, self-discovery and the environment.

From the publisher

A girl seeking answers uncovers an unbelievable world in this spellbinding contemporary gothic novel, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Wildwood. When Tilly Dewberry and her father move into Nana Mae's old farmhouse, Tilly can't believe Nana Mae is no longer living there. She and her cousin Finn had such wonderful times with Nana Mae, especially listening to her wild stories about the witch who lived in the Dark Wood behind the farm. But Nana Mae has suffered severe memory loss, and she's now in a nursing home. Tilly doesn't understand how this could have happened - or what she can do about it. That is, until she finds a key hidden in the old oak tree not far from the Dark Wood. Could this be Tilly's answer? Has Nana Mae left her a clue? This spine-tingling middle grade novel from debut author Sarah Van Goethem will captivate readers with its unforgettable characters, eerie gothic setting and plot twists that will keep them guessing to the very end. Fans of adventure and fantasy stories will be compelled by Tilly's chilling journey into the forbidden Dark Wood, a place that is much darker and stranger than she could have ever imagined. And young readers will be drawn to the story's themes of environmental activism, friendship and self-discovery.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
272
Reading age
9–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
650L
AR book level
~4.2
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
F&P level
~P
Publication
Published
September 1, 2026
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781525314131

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