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Wind
Wind is a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel that intertwines adventure, environmental consciousness, and self-discovery. Drawing comparisons to classics like The Wizard of Oz, Narnia, and A Wrinkle in Time, this story offers a contemporary ecological twist that resonates with readers aged 8 to 12.
Katie's life is upended when an earthquake transports her to a mystical realm. There, she encounters Za, a gnome-like alien, and together they embark on a quest to find the elusive Winged Ones—the only beings capable of returning them home. Along their journey, they meet extraordinary characters, including a shape-shifting tree spirit, a water god, and nature devas. Through these encounters, Katie learns profound lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Wind masterfully blends elements of high fantasy, earth mysticism, and mythology, offering readers both excitement and valuable life lessons. The novel has been praised for its imaginative storytelling and ecological themes, earning it the Nautilus Gold Award.
Embark on this enchanting journey that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about courage, environmental stewardship, and the bonds that connect us all.
Katie's life is upended when an earthquake transports her to a mystical realm. There, she encounters Za, a gnome-like alien, and together they embark on a quest to find the elusive Winged Ones—the only beings capable of returning them home. Along their journey, they meet extraordinary characters, including a shape-shifting tree spirit, a water god, and nature devas. Through these encounters, Katie learns profound lessons about friendship, self-acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Wind masterfully blends elements of high fantasy, earth mysticism, and mythology, offering readers both excitement and valuable life lessons. The novel has been praised for its imaginative storytelling and ecological themes, earning it the Nautilus Gold Award.
Embark on this enchanting journey that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about courage, environmental stewardship, and the bonds that connect us all.
- GenresFantasy
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2024
48 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Dee Davidson
10 books60 followersEllen Dee Davidson is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators who studied at the University of Santa Cruz, the University of California at Berkeley, and the Institute of Children's Literature. Her experience as a teacher adds insight and empathy to her books for young adults.
Ellen currently gives "Transformational Writing" classes to adults, a technique which uses guided visualization to access deeper levels of imagination while writing. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and currently lives in Bayside, California, with her 13-year old daughter.
Ellen currently gives "Transformational Writing" classes to adults, a technique which uses guided visualization to access deeper levels of imagination while writing. She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and currently lives in Bayside, California, with her 13-year old daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 4, 2023
This child’s fantasy is quite the ride. “What’s one more mystery when nothing made sense?” Sums up how it all starts. The adventure is tougher and more introspective than you’d expect for someone so young. Katie is an incredibly perceptive young lady. She senses and hears things that animals and plants around her are trying to say or feeling. This insightful gift to communicate with basically every being alive is really the conduit for the entire journey. Having a quirky alien named Za with a superiority complex just makes it more fun. But I must say Kira, the big lion babygirl is probably my favorite of the mix. The quest at the heart of the book has a theme of reflection and balancing the effects we have on our surroundings to achieve a harmonious living. It focuses on the fundamental facts of commonality or as written in the book “All the elements together. That's what gives life. Life, so amazing. so mysterious. were all made out of the elements and in that way were all connected, all one.” Describing the music of life. Made of every being emitting it’s personal note that plays simultaneously with all the others around it to create a symphony. When I was discussing this with a friend, I had trouble finding the right way to express the way this book felt. I finally settled on it feels young, but with the simplistic logic, yet deep wisdom that comes from either consuming substances or old age. This quote from which the book was named, is the best way to finish my thoughts. "Wind is everywhere and nowhere. Wind carries messages on the air, the elemental you humans can't live without for even a few minutes. Wind travels lightly, sees everything, including the song weave throughout the earth. Wind is my essence, my nature, my source of flight. Change comes on the wind.”
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April 4, 2022Wind by Ellen Dee Davidson is an adventure tale in the truest sense; with vivid imagery, lovely prose and strong, well-defined characters, all of which help to weave this fantastic journey. The fairy houses made from flowers leave the reader with color and fragrance and detail that is a delight to traverse.
I believe where Ms. Davidson truly shines though, is in her main character, Katie. This young girl is a realistic role model that should appeal to a broad age demographic. She is not what has become common, a "super hero". She’s a girl on a fanciful journey who must deliberate her paths intelligently and make bold choices along the way. What is so captivating is that her natural, moral instincts inevitably carry her through, but her age and lack of life experience require that she be fully mindful of the consequences of her actions. And refreshingly, she is not always sure of herself. She is always brave, usually after being frightened, but her sense of right and wrong and conscience, develops before our eyes. She rises to each occasion and if she fails, she introspectively figures it out, to ultimately make the hard, right choices and persevere. She does just about everything right but more importantly, for the right reasons.
This is a fun read and I hope that Katie returns in subsequent earthy, kind and compassionate tales.
I believe where Ms. Davidson truly shines though, is in her main character, Katie. This young girl is a realistic role model that should appeal to a broad age demographic. She is not what has become common, a "super hero". She’s a girl on a fanciful journey who must deliberate her paths intelligently and make bold choices along the way. What is so captivating is that her natural, moral instincts inevitably carry her through, but her age and lack of life experience require that she be fully mindful of the consequences of her actions. And refreshingly, she is not always sure of herself. She is always brave, usually after being frightened, but her sense of right and wrong and conscience, develops before our eyes. She rises to each occasion and if she fails, she introspectively figures it out, to ultimately make the hard, right choices and persevere. She does just about everything right but more importantly, for the right reasons.
This is a fun read and I hope that Katie returns in subsequent earthy, kind and compassionate tales.
October 11, 2022
Such an intriguing book that seems adventurous on the surface but explains deeper truths beneath. Katie finds herself stuck in another world and must face different challenges to reach back home. In that journey, she confronts different creatures, takes difficult decisions and must endure the company of an annoying boy.
This is something I love about children’s books. How complex emotions and explained through simple storytelling! Wind is an innovative story because of the unique characters and creatures that it introduces but also because each chapter brings a new message. By the time the book finishes, you have so many takeaways. I especially loved the parts that dealt with the deep connection with nature. But don’t worry, the book is not at all preachy. It is an entertaining page-turner with lot of action and adventure.
The quirky characters and put in funny situations so the reader can be entertained. These realizations of the deeper meaning came once I was done reading and tried reflecting back on the story to coherently put my thoughts down. Two things I really liked about this book were the narration and the vivid detailing which made me imagine the different scenarios mentioned in the chapters. I only wonder how amazing it would be to get an animated movie made on this book! Kudos to the author.
This is something I love about children’s books. How complex emotions and explained through simple storytelling! Wind is an innovative story because of the unique characters and creatures that it introduces but also because each chapter brings a new message. By the time the book finishes, you have so many takeaways. I especially loved the parts that dealt with the deep connection with nature. But don’t worry, the book is not at all preachy. It is an entertaining page-turner with lot of action and adventure.
The quirky characters and put in funny situations so the reader can be entertained. These realizations of the deeper meaning came once I was done reading and tried reflecting back on the story to coherently put my thoughts down. Two things I really liked about this book were the narration and the vivid detailing which made me imagine the different scenarios mentioned in the chapters. I only wonder how amazing it would be to get an animated movie made on this book! Kudos to the author.
October 29, 2022
WIND written by the author Ellen Dee Davidson is a Children's fantasy story. The main character in the story is a young girl named Katie. In her class, Katie heard an oak tree talking to her. She told about that to her teacher. The other students thought Katie was nuts. Katie's close friend Amy also didn't believe that Katie could talk to a tree or a cat.
When Amy left, an earthquake occurred and Katie fell through a huge crack. Katie thought that she was in the basement of her house but she was in some other strange world with an alien boy Za. Read this story to know will Katie be able to find her way home.
Middle grade readers should get their hands on this intriguing story. The language used in the book is lucid so one could follow the story easily. The plot of the story is interesting and I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Katie's character is interesting. It is a well written book. Go for it without any second thoughts.
When Amy left, an earthquake occurred and Katie fell through a huge crack. Katie thought that she was in the basement of her house but she was in some other strange world with an alien boy Za. Read this story to know will Katie be able to find her way home.
Middle grade readers should get their hands on this intriguing story. The language used in the book is lucid so one could follow the story easily. The plot of the story is interesting and I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Katie's character is interesting. It is a well written book. Go for it without any second thoughts.
January 2, 2023
This books has both unexpected characters, as well as very familiar ones. There is the companion of the main character, the alien Za. He’s not a very pleasant person, although he changes on the way, fortunately. there’s a dragon who shows unexpected behaviors. While there is also the sea God Seidon and the whole part where the main characters go below the lake, Seems like to be taken from an old fairy tale. The rest of the story is quite original and kept me interested all the way through. At the end, when they finally face the Poisoned One, children who read this book can really gain some awareness about their inner critic and how to approach it. Generally the book also weaves in values that promote the understanding of Earth (or another planet actually in this case) as a living being, and invisible ways of communicating with it. Friendship is another important theme. This book hopefully will inspire the young generations to appreciate nature, others and themselves more!
January 20, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Ellen Dee Davidson for my FREE ARC COPY to review for them for the Book Tour this week.
This was my first time reading a book by Ellen so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i loved every minute of this book. It reminded me alot of Bridge to Terabithia meets Alice in Wonderland and The Muppets all rolled into one.
The Characters were so enjoyable and entertaining to read about. Katie and Za were definately my favorites.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book with the characters the whole time.
Overall a good High Fantasy Novel for all ages to read!! Can't wait to read more by Ellen in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Ellen Dee Davidson for my FREE ARC COPY to review for them for the Book Tour this week.
This was my first time reading a book by Ellen so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i loved every minute of this book. It reminded me alot of Bridge to Terabithia meets Alice in Wonderland and The Muppets all rolled into one.
The Characters were so enjoyable and entertaining to read about. Katie and Za were definately my favorites.
The Setting was so beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book with the characters the whole time.
Overall a good High Fantasy Novel for all ages to read!! Can't wait to read more by Ellen in the future!!
January 18, 2023
Alice in Wonderland meets Wizard of Oz. This book is a great mix of mythology and magic. This book is a great late middle school/early high school fiction read. Katie and Za are on a quest to save the world and finish the journey. They are greeted by many different mythical and magical creatures. Some are the same as wind and water. Some are magically talking through the mind. Katie’s one job, get back to Earth. Does she do it in time? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
January 21, 2023
Wind is a beautiful story about a girl learning what’s most important in life and how we are all interconnected—humans and nature alike. When we all work together in harmony, oh what a wonderful world it will be. It’s a reminder to love, to be kind, to respect, and most of all to find healing. When we heal and share our light, the planet heals too.
June 2, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: WIND
Author: Ellen Davidson
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This novel reminded me of C S Lewis’s fantasy books. This is a fun adventure with lots of magic in it with spirits and gods. I think most 9 – 12 year old will enjoy it.” Girl, aged 11
“I liked the stubborn girl protagonist. I thought she was gutsy.” Girl, aged 12
“I would read another book by this author as I think her novel Wind is exciting with strong characters. There’s lots happening so I was never bored. The ending is exciting too. If you like fantasy books, you’ll like this.” Boy, aged 12
“I liked the nature message as much as I enjoyed the story. Good book.” Boy, aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A skillfully plotted, fantasy adventure with a strong-willed protagonist. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: WIND
Author: Ellen Davidson
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This novel reminded me of C S Lewis’s fantasy books. This is a fun adventure with lots of magic in it with spirits and gods. I think most 9 – 12 year old will enjoy it.” Girl, aged 11
“I liked the stubborn girl protagonist. I thought she was gutsy.” Girl, aged 12
“I would read another book by this author as I think her novel Wind is exciting with strong characters. There’s lots happening so I was never bored. The ending is exciting too. If you like fantasy books, you’ll like this.” Boy, aged 12
“I liked the nature message as much as I enjoyed the story. Good book.” Boy, aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A skillfully plotted, fantasy adventure with a strong-willed protagonist. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
June 9, 2025
Wind is a beautifully written and imaginative journey that invites readers into a world of magic, mystery, and meaning. Ellen Dee Davidson weaves together fantasy, mythology, and environmental wisdom in a way that feels both timeless and timely. Through Katie’s adventure, meeting fantastical beings like Za, tree spirits, and water gods, young readers are guided through themes of courage, friendship, and finding one’s place in a greater whole. With echoes of A Wrinkle in Time and The Wizard of Oz, this middle-grade novel stands out for its unique ecological heart. It’s no surprise this book earned the Nautilus Gold Award, Wind is a powerful reminder that we are all connected, and that healing the Earth begins with understanding ourselves. A truly enchanting and thoughtful read for kids and adults alike.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews