The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest (Newbery Honor Award Winner)

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.

★ "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.

A Newbery Honor Book
2025 Kirkus Best of Middle Grade
2025 Publisher’s Weekly Best Books
2025 Booklist Editor’s Choice 2025
New York Public Library Best Books of 2025
Chicago Public Library’s Best Books for Kids
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids
Los Angeles Public Library’s Best of 2025
2025 BCCB Blue Ribbons Book
Amazon Top 20 Children's Books of 2025
Audible Best of the Year, Kids and Family
Spotify Best of the Year, Kids and Family
2026 ALSC Notable Children’s Books List
2026 CBC Teachers Favorites