In the Forests of the Night by Alison Hughes

In a world without trees and during a life without parents, Ellis craves answers. Befriending Lora, a roommate and complete opposite but the closest to her age in the home for orphans, Ellis is devastated when childhood antics are followed by the disappearance of her greatest confident.

In the Forests of the Night takes a terrible and horrible concept and writes it beautifully through pace, character, and haunting imagery that sheds new light on trees for both the young and old. The story goes beyond the colours of green and the shades of the world we live in — it captures the essence of friendship, the glory of finding your community, and the power of determination, listening, and silence.

Rooted in mystery, the story of Ellis, Lora, and Pip is twisted in grace, middle grade drama, and cherishing treasures that seem to be what ordinary days are filled with. Pip, one of the main characters, speaks loudly without saying a single word while leaving an impression on those who dare to befriend her. Through the relationship of teachers, students, peers, and family, Hughes gives off Magic School Bus vibes while being grounded, filled with teachable moments and magic that sparkles from within the characters who live through it.

In the Forests of the Night is a middle-grade novel that sheds light on fears we don’t think about enough and casts shadows where once the sun shone. A highly recommend read for anyone open to fantasy, adventure, and an extraordinary sense of family.

Alison Hughes is the award-winning author of twenty books for children and young adults. Her YA novel Hit the Ground Running was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Awards. Hughes’ works have also won the R. Ross Annett Award and the Writers’ Union of Canada Writing for Children Award, and have been nominated for numerous provincial children’s choice awards. Hughes is a university writing advisor and gives workshops and presentations at schools, libraries, conferences and festivals. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

Publisher: DCB Young Readers (April 12 2025)
Paperback 5.5″ x 8″
Ages 9-12
ISBN: 978-1-77086-785-7

Sarah Butland

Website

I am a struggling artist, a challenging and challenged mother who always thinks she is failing, an emerging freelance writer and reporter, an author with my name on several books crossing genres and always hoping to find more readers who enjoy them.

I am also a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and my family.