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.)