Wing & Claw #1: Forest of Wonders

Description: When Raffa makes a cure from a rare crimson vine he finds deep in the forbidden forest, the bat he saves transforms into something much more.

Brief description:

Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water, is the renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers. She lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com.

Review Quotes:

"Park (Seesaw Girl) molds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in this finely etched novel set in mid-to-late 12th century Korea. . . Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) for A Single Shard

"Park simply yet convincingly depicts the chaos of war and an unforgiving landscape. . . A heartfelt account." - Kirkus Reviews for A Long Walk to Water

"A memorable portrait of two children in Sudan. . . . Tragic and harrowing." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) for A Long Walk to Water

"Two narratives intersect in a quiet conclusion that is filled with hope." - School Library Journal (starred review) for A Long Walk to Water

"Intrigues, danger and the same strong focus on doing what is right turn a simple story into a compelling read. . . A timeless jewel." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) for A Single Shard

"This quiet, but involving story draws readers into a very different time and place... A well-crafted novel with an unusual setting. - Booklist (starred review) for A Single Shard

A provocative moral tale about the relationship between humans and animals.... In the end, the ambiguity of the message is one of the novel's strengths. In a genre that often paints good and evil in black and white, Park has written a book with a lot of gray. - New York Times Book Review

"This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible characters to life." - School Library Journal Best Books of the Year for A Single Shard

"There are big issues in Park's latest novel-conservation, prejudice, patriotism, biology, and more. But the Newbery-winning writer never allows them to swamp the story; in fact, it's the compelling characters and their passionate differences and commitments that drive the plot." - Booklist (starred review) for Project Mulberry

While the adorable talking animals will win hearts, the complex ethical dilemmas Raffa faces about how to use (or not use) his talents lend a maturity to the narrative... True hearts and true friends prevail in Forest of Wonders, and readers will anxiously await the trilogy's next installment. - Shelf Awareness

As in life, the choices are never black and white as Park's realistically flawed characters struggle between looking out for the greater good or for themselves. - Publishers Weekly

With its engaging hero, talking animals, arcane magic, moral issues, and unresolved plot, this first of a proposed trilogy promises more exciting forest wonders. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A strong addition by a wonderfully talented author to diversify middle grade fantasy collections. - School Library Journal