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43 pages 1 hour read

Wildwood

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Colin Meloy

Wildwood

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

870L

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Super Short Summary

In Wildwood by Colin Meloy, twelve-year-old Prue embarks on a quest into the mysterious Impassable Wilderness to rescue her baby brother Mac, who has been abducted by crows. Joining forces with her classmate Curtis, Prue encounters talking animals, mystics, and an evil witch with plans to use Mac's blood to conquer the Wood. The duo faces numerous challenges and collaborates with the locals to fight against sinister forces threatening the Wood.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Mysterious

Playful

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

35,845 ratings

61%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Wildwood by Colin Meloy enchants readers with its richly detailed world and lyrical prose, creating a magical adventure reminiscent of classic fairy tales. Fans praise its imaginative storytelling and vivid illustrations. However, some critics find the plot overly complex for its intended younger audience. Overall, Wildwood offers a captivating yet occasionally dense journey.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wildwood?

A reader who would enjoy Colin Meloy's Wildwood is typically someone who relishes rich fantasy worlds, engaging adventures, and whimsical storytelling. Similar to fans of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, they appreciate intricate plots and young protagonists confronting extraordinary challenges in fantastical settings.

4.1

35,845 ratings

61%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Prue McKeel

An average-looking twelve-year-old girl from Portland, Oregon, who embarks on a journey into a magical realm to rescue her baby brother, Mac.

Prue’s schoolmate, perceived as an oddball, who joins her on her adventure into the Impassable Wilderness to forge a connection and overcome his loner status.

The exiled former ruler of South Wood, known for her striking appearance and her desire to reclaim power by employing dark magic.

The formidable leader of the bandits in the Wood, initially an antagonist but later an ally who plays a crucial role in the realm's power struggles.

An ancient, calm leader of the North Wood mystics, who possesses unique abilities and becomes Prue’s ally in her quest.

An elderly and daring official who aids Prue by sharing valuable insights about the Impassable Wilderness and assisting her journey.

Prue’s parents made a difficult deal regarding their second child with the Governess, which leads to Mac's abduction, leaving them grief-stricken.

Talking animals such as the avian ruler Owl Rex and an eagle named General assist Prue, while other animals play varied roles in aiding or opposing the main characters.

Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Portland, Oregon • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

870L

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