Wild Things
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2009 · Est. 6.5 hour read

Wild Things

By Clay Carmichael

An orphaned girl and her reclusive uncle face secrets and danger in a quest for trust and belonging.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,185 ratings
245 pages· 56,600 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
$9.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Eleven-year-old Zoë, orphaned and wary, moves in with her enigmatic uncle, Henry, a sculptor with a stormy past. In rural North Carolina, she encounters a wild boy and a feral cat, each holding secrets. As Zoë battles prejudice and her own mistrust, she uncovers hidden truths and the transformative power of art. When a daring act of heroism beckons, Zoë must decide if she can trust enough to risk everything. Will she find the family she never expected, or will her fears keep her isolated forever?

From the publisher

Stubborn, self-reliant eleven-year-old Zoe, recently orphaned, is forced to move to the country to live with her strange and bad-tempered uncle. Zoe could care less that he’s a famous doctor and sculptor. All she knows is that he is impossible to understand. The only interesting thing on the farm is a feral cat who won’t let Zoe near. Together, Zoe and her uncle learn about trust and the strength of family ties. In this moving coming-of-age novel, Zoe comes to understand what it means to love and be loved, uncovers a long-kept secret, and finds family where she least expects it. Includes an interview with the author and a reading group guide.

Named ALA Notable Children’s Book Award; Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s books of the Year; NCTE Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts; Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
245
Words
56,600
Reading age
9–13
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
890L
Themes & topics
Books about artBooks about animalsBooks about non-traditional familiesBooks about self-esteemBooks about social themes
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 Clay Carmichael

Explore Clay's bookshelf
Bear at the Beach and Other Adventures
Sale price
$1495

Bear at the Beach and Other Adventures

Ages 4–7
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

One for the Murphys

Ages 10–13 · 2012

The Wolf Wilder

Ages 8–12 · 2015
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1699

Paperboy

Ages 8–12 · 2013

Brave Like That

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Dog Driven

Ages 10–14 · 2019
Just Right Jillian
Sale price
$1699

Just Right Jillian

Ages 8–12 · 2022
The Night War
Sale price
$1799

The Night War

Ages 9–12 · 2024

Death by Toilet Paper

Ages 9–12 · 2014
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5.3
F&P level
~U
AR points
9
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
129621
Publication
Published
September 1, 2012
First published
May 1, 2009
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781590789148

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.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo