The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest

A Newbery Honor Award Book!

A fox and a badger begrudgingly team up to change their destinies in this endearing middle grade novel—perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Applegate.

Featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout, this critically acclaimed novel brings Deadwood Forest to life through both words and art.
 
★ “Heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive.” ―Kirkus, starred review

Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive—just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.

Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.

Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.

Aubrey Hartman lives in California with her husband and three young children. Like Poppy, she believes in magic: the kind that’s made up of powerful words, cinematic scenes, and characters who curl up in your heart to stay. Also like Poppy, she’s passionate about inspiring young people to recognize the impact their voices can have in the world. She is the author of The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor and The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest.