★ "Heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive." ―Kirkus, starred review

In one of the best-reviewed books of the year, an undead fox named Clare meets a badger named Gingersnaps who turns his life upside down--perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Tim Burton.

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.

Author: Aubrey Hartman
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 02/25/2025
Pages: 320
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.60w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9780316575720

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.3
Point Value: 8
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 555214 / Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest