Wild Things

April 15, 2009
Grades 5-8 Eleven-year-old Zo' is a survivor. Her fiery independence has seen her through a series of adults who dont stick, and she trusts no one, including Uncle Henry, who has just taken her in after the death of her neglectful mother. Henry is a renowned sculptor of what Zo' skeptically calls wild things. Other wild things slip through Henrys North Carolina woods unnoticed until Zo's arrival catapults them into the spotlight, with life-changing consequences for everyone.In her debut novel, Carmichael gives afamiliar plot fresh new life in this touching story with a finely crafted sense of place. Zo's first-person narration alternates with the observations of a feral tomcat who provides hints to the past, and an array of well-drawn eccentric characters add additional sparkle to the magic-touched story. Zo's fierce, funny voice is compelling, whether she is describing tensestandoffs or moments of rare vulnerability that go straight to the heart. Carmichael uses a sure, light touch to portray the gradual blooming of trust among the storys many wild things in this satisfying tale.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
Bright, articulate, neglected Zoe goes to live with her uncle after her mother's death. Zoe's amusing and poignant middle-grade cynicism is appealing, as is a crisply realized North Carolina setting, but the crowding of too many elements--the solace of art, a feral cat, wild boy, rediscovered family--overwhelm the emotional potential of the story.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)