Game of Fox & Squirrels

Description: A stunning, heartbreaking novel about a girl who finds the light in the darkness... and ultimately discovers the true meaning of home.

Brief description:

Jenn Reese (they/she) writes speculative fiction for readers of all ages. Jenn is the author of Every Bird a Prince, the Oregon Book Award-winning A Game of Fox & Squirrels, and the Above World trilogy. They also write short stories for teens and adults. Jenn lives in Portland, Oregon where they make art, play video games, and build cardboard forts for their cats.
jennreese.com

Review Quotes:

Evanston Public Library Best of the Year Pick

"Beautifully written...Reese's pairing of a realistic depiction of lived trauma with its allegorical-fantasy reflection proves stunningly effective." -Kirkus, Starred Review

"A poignant fantastical allegory... that presents generational trauma and its echoes unflinchingly." -Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Reese spins a tale about child abuse that is touched with fantasy...a powerful tool for working through trauma." -Booklist

"An engaging blend of genres...dealing with realistic issues that will be a solid addition to elementary or middle school libraries." -School Library Journal

"It's satisfying to watch Sam move from obedience born of self-preservation to being able to defy Ashander in order to protect others...the sympathetic heroine makes this a likable read with broad appeal." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Once in an age, you read a book that is so true and so lovely that it's as if your own bruised and hopeful heart had come sailing into your hands in book form. A Game of Fox & Squirrels is that book for me. It is perfect. Sometimes magic happens: we needed this story in our world, and now it is here." --Anne Nesbet, author of The Cabinet of Earths and Daring Darleen

"Hauntingly beautiful, funny, dark and true, and so full of magic and heart. This story will stay with me forever." --Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

"Jenn Reese is masterful in her delicate rendering of a vulnerable child navigating the boundaries of family loyalty. The story will quietly burrow its way into the hearts of the children who need it, inspiring bravery and truth. Unforgettable." --Tracy Holczer, author of Everything Else in the Universe

"An important, moving book about resilience in the face of abuse, and about emerging from a very dark place into hope." --Sarah Prineas, author of Dragonfell

"The way Jenn Reese illuminates a path to hope through dark times is what makes this book essential reading." --Greg van Eekhout, author of Voyage of the Dogs

"A Game of Fox & Squirrels overflows with courage, and it's willing to share." --William Alexander, National Book Award-winning author of Goblin Secrets