Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Monster-fighting tale stars stellar nonbinary character.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE OTHERWOODS, River is a 12-year-old nonbinary middle schooler who sees monsters and spirits no one else does. They are pretty used to being bothered at home and at school by monsters and cope by trying to stay invisible, sticking close to their cat Mr. Fluffy Pancakes, and otherwise keeping to themself. But they can't help but notice that portals to the land of the monsters, called the Otherwoods, that had always showed up randomly to lure them were now showing up every day. Even worse, when a girl named Avery in River's class invites them over, they can't find a thing to wear because their closet has turned into a portal. And worse than that, Avery's house is in the woods where portals often hide. It's like the Otherwoods knows that River, who considers themself anything but brave, would never-ever go there. That is, until their friend Avery is kidnapped and taken to the Otherwoods by a monster. Now River has no choice but to follow.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of unlikely heroes, fluffy cats, and monsters will dig into this story of a fearful middle schooler lured to another realm to save their friend. River, who really knows the value of friendship having suffered too long without it, suddenly needs to find bravery within themself for a rescue mission -- after some time curled up on their bed, hyperventilating, wishing it all away. Luckily, Charles, the monster under River's bed, convinces them to take the family cat, Mr. Fluffy Pancakes. First of all, fantastic name, and secondly, no one ever goes wrong with a cat sidekick. With the cat's support and a spirit named Xavier, River begins envisioning themself as brave and a hero.
Why the creepy forest is teeming with monsters out to get River and the magical lore is more simplified than it should be, but in The Otherwoods, the importance of someone like River overcoming these monsters is always understood. When they return to the real world, people like River often need more bravery than most kids, proven in this story by River's run-in with a difficult teacher. Justine Pucella Winans dedication makes the message even clearer: "To all the queer kids reading this, whether you are slaying monsters or hiding under covers, you are heroes and you are magic." This book will be magic to kids who really need to hear that.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about River's teacher Ms. Deery in The Otherwoods. What makes her scary to River? What does it take to get River to stick up for themself? Do you think it takes more courage to fight a monster or communicate their rights to Ms. Deery?
River begins the story avoiding friends and trying to be invisible. Why is it important for their own wellbeing that they open themself up to friendship? If you are having trouble making friends, what strategies might make it easier?
River made peace with the monster under their bed and faced a number of fears on their journey. Were the monsters in this book ever too scary? What makes you feel better when you get really scared?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury Children's Books
- Publication date : September 12, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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