Rewilding

by Lisa Gerlits, Savanna Durr (Illustrator)

Even though her Dad calls her “Bruiser,” eleven-year-old Joy isn’t as strong as she looks. With Dad gone and Mom depressed, it’s up to Joy to care for the house and her younger brother Ian. Struggling with old clothes in sizes too small now and Ian’s constant hunger, Joy fears the school counselor might call Child Protective Services. When a baby bird falls from its nest, Joy recalls her Dad’s warning, “You don’t know your own strength.” Seeking help, she strikes a deal with Ezzie, the quirky neighbor, to help her with chores around her yard. As Joy, Ian, and her friend restore Ezzie’s garden, they discover the beauty of rewilding and Joy begins to question her father’s views. A sensitive story of gaslighting, body image, and the healing power of nature.

Genres: Nature

Hardcover

First published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this middle grade novel installment, Gerlits, through the eyes of an eleven-year-old, explores topics such as heavy neglect, emotional abuse, and gaslighting. Rewilding means the process of restoring to a natural state, a task Joy Holderman tries to achieve.

Joy and her brother Ian find themselves trying to survive after the fallout of their parents. When Ian is called to the guidance counselor's office, Joy freaks out, assuming that they will be separated by the children's protection service. She takes it upon herself to try to create the balance in the household between an abusive, neglectful father and a depressed mother. She finds herself taking on more than she should. Through it all a bird she named Lady is under her protection; as advised by those around her, she needs to let her back into the wild.

This narrative is well written and accompanied by beautiful illustrations from Durr. The book holds heavy topics, but through the eyes of a young girl we see hope, determination, and resilience. Holding character depth, the author explores Joyce’s emotions from acceptance, fear of CPS, her anger at being neglected, and finding herself through nature.

This book isn’t only for children but for anyone whose life feels heavy. It may be an emotional resonance for some, but a semblance of hope to others. A reminder that we may feel alone, but all we need to do is recognize the effort of those around us as much as Ian was young. He tried to be there for Joy and his mom in his own way. This book shows the child’s perspective when a divorce takes place, making this book raw and emotional. I highly recommend it; it may influence your interest in gardening. 

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust me when I say that Rewilding is a book EVERYONE needs to read, enjoy, and learn from! It's for anyone who has ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or not strong enough, only to discover they are. I wanted to reach into this book and hug Joy when she lived in fear that the school counselor might contact Child Protective Services about their family.

Hands down, Ezzie was my favorite character. Quirky and wise, she teaches Joy and her little brother, Ian, the concept of "rewilding," which brings unexpected beauty and healing. Joy then passes it on.

I know I'll be thinking about this book for a long time.

Huge thanks to #OneElmBooks for the opportunity to read and review this delightful book! It was released today.

#LisaGerlits #AllAges #Family #Friendship

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Rewilding by Lisa Gerlits

Lisa Gerlits’ Rewilding is a poignant and powerful middle-grade novel that explores themes of resilience, identity, and the healing power of nature. The story follows Joy, an eleven-year-old girl nicknamed “Bruiser” by her father, as she navigates the challenges of her life after her father’s departure and her mother’s struggle with depression. Gerlits masterfully crafts a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, making Rewilding a compelling read for young readers.

Premise & Themes
The novel centers around Joy’s journey as she copes with the absence of her father and her mother’s declining mental health. As Joy spends more time in nature, she begins to find solace and a sense of purpose, leading to a process of self-discovery and healing. Gerlits explores themes of family, trauma, and the transformative power of the natural world, creating a rich and immersive story.

Strengths & Highlights
-Emotional Resonance: The novel is deeply moving, capturing the emotional struggles of its protagonist with sensitivity and authenticity.
-Character Development: Joy is a complex and relatable character, whose journey is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
-Nature as Healing: Gerlits beautifully portrays the healing potential of nature, highlighting its role in Joy’s recovery and growth.
-Accessible Writing: The writing is clear and engaging, making the story accessible to its middle-grade audience.

Areas for Improvement
Some readers might find that certain aspects of the narrative, such as the supporting characters, could be further developed. However, the focus on Joy’s story is a deliberate choice that enhances the emotional impact of the novel.

Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – The novel has a profound emotional impact, resonating deeply with readers.
-Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Joy is a well-developed and relatable protagonist.
-Thematic Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – The themes of resilience and healing are explored with depth and sensitivity.
-Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – The pacing is generally well-balanced, though some sections may feel slightly slower.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – While familiar themes are explored, Gerlits brings a fresh perspective.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A powerful and moving novel that will resonate with young readers and adults alike.

Perfect For:
-Middle-grade readers looking for stories about resilience and self-discovery.
-Fans of character-driven narratives.
-Anyone interested in stories that explore the healing power of nature.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and Lisa Gerlits for providing an advance review copy of Rewilding in exchange for an honest review.

Final Thought: Rewilding is a beautifully crafted novel that offers a powerful exploration of the human spirit. Lisa Gerlits has created a story that is both a compelling narrative and a thoughtful examination of the challenges faced by young people today.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching and emotional story that is, on the surface, the story of an 11 year old girl, Joy, and her little brother, Ian, trying to save a baby bird they found in their yard. However, within that simple plot, Rewilding touched on so many more things than I was expecting! While this book clearly has a lot about environmental protection and caring for the natural world, it is also a story of mental health, dealing with neglect, emotional abuse, and manipulation, and trying to navigate the world as a child that feels they only has themself to rely on. Despite addressing so many heavy topics, I feel that Rewilding handles them all beautifully, and I think this is a wonderful book for middle grade readers which will teach them a lot, both about nature, and about life.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewilding by Lisa Gerlits is a tender, emotionally honest middle grade novel that surprised me with its depth.

Rewilding is one of those rare middle grade books that truly sees the emotional world of children for what it is: complicated, intuitive, and often far heavier than adults assume. I picked this up expecting a lighthearted story about nature and gardening. What I found instead was something far more powerful.

The story follows a young girl navigating the emotional fallout of her parents’ divorce. While her mother struggles with depression, she discovers a baby scrub jay and, along with her brother, tries to care for it. Their journey leads them to a woman with a wild garden and a sign that says, “Maybe YOU are the Weed”—a line that captures the book’s themes of growth, self-perception, and healing.

What stood out to me most was how unflinching the story is in portraying the emotional nuance of a child’s experience during family upheaval, including instances of direct parental gaslighting. It’s handled with care, but also with the kind of honesty that young readers deserve. While I did hope for more time spent on the joy of discovering the garden itself, the story that unfolds is honest, layered, and deeply affecting.

This is a beautiful, grounded novel that doesn't talk down to its audience. Highly recommended for thoughtful readers—young and old—who are ready to explore the messy, painful, and ultimately hopeful process of rewilding.

Special shout out to the bird facts as I have some fledgling scrub jays in my yard this year, so they were especially pertinent to me!

Thanks to NetGalley and Red Chair Press for the e-ARC.

[Megan Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an incredibly important book in so many ways. It shows the hardships kids often face when dealing with divorced parents. It shows how easy it is for parents to lose themselves during grief of any sort. It shows how important it is to rely on others, but also how important it is to take care of our environments.

Really loved this.

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At its heart, Rewilding is a tender, poignant middle grade novel about twelve-year-old Joy, who finds herself juggling way more than any kid should. While taking care of her younger brother Ian and hiding their struggling home life from nosy adults, Joy stumbles into something unexpectedly healing: nature. Between dodging Child Protective Services and trying to keep her family from falling apart, she begins to rewild a neglected yard and, in the process, slowly begins to rewild herself.

Joy’s narration is painfully real, funny in all the right ways, and completely heartbreaking when it needs to be. Right from chapter one, when she eavesdrops on a conversation between the school counselor and her brother, we’re dropped into a world where Joy is already carrying the emotional weight of an adult. “Big clumsy Joy strikes again,” she says after barging into Bertie’s office, and that moment hits like a brick. She’s trying so hard to hold things together that you want to jump into the story and tell her she doesn’t have to. But that’s the thing, she does have to. No one else will.

The themes Gerlits weaves through the story of neglect, gaslighting, mental illness, and body image are handled with honesty and subtlety, but they never weigh the book down. Joy’s relationship with her own body, for instance, is explored quietly and compassionately. She’s constantly aware of her size, of how her clothes don’t fit right anymore, of how people react to her strength. And then comes the moment when Joy discovers a baby bird in the woodpile and makes the quiet but profound decision to care for it. The scene is deeply moving. When she gently says, “You trust me,” to the fragile creature in her hands, it becomes a powerful symbol of her own longing to be trusted, needed, and capable. For a brief instant, everything else in the story seems to pause around that simple, tender exchange.

But what I loved most was the metaphor of rewilding. Not just the literal ecosystem restoration Joy does in the ARK yard, but the way she’s unknowingly restoring herself. Her home life is rough. Her mom is barely functioning, her dad is unreliable, and her little brother is too young to understand the danger they’re in. Yet Joy never gives up. She mows the lawn, feeds her brother, protects her mom’s dignity, and tries (with mixed results) to raise a bird. The passage in which Joy resolves to clean up the yard to prevent others from suspecting neglect is among the most emotionally wrenching in the novel. It reveals a fierce, protective love intertwined with a desperate desire to maintain control over an unraveling situation. The moment is rendered with striking authenticity and emotional depth.

Rewilding isn’t just a story for kids. It’s for anyone who’s ever tried to make the best of a messy situation. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt unseen or overwhelmed or not strong enough, only to discover they are. I’d recommend this book to middle grade readers who like realistic stories with heart, but also to adults who remember what it was like to be young and scared and brave all at once. This book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, but it also offers hope in the shape of a baby bird, a patch of wildflowers, and a girl who learns she really does know her own strength.

[Darya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too much falls on the shoulders of eleven-year-old Joy. After her parents divorced, Dad is no longer around and repeatedly fails to follow through on their agreements to spend time together over a weekend or even show up on time to pick the children up after school. Joy's mom has hardly left her couch in these months. What’s worse, people around them start noticing that Joy and her seven-year-old brother Ian might not have enough food at home. Remembering what happened to a classmate who was taken away by Child Protective Services, Joy is sure nobody can know how much they need help and takes it upon herself to fix their life, which is showing more and more signs of neglect — effectively becoming a parent for Ian and the homemaker for their household. As if all the laundry, lawn-mowing, and feeding the family weren’t enough, Joy finds a baby bird in the front yard, apparently left behind by its bird parents and in danger of falling prey to the neighborhood "outside cat," Sheba. At a moment of despair, she has no one else to turn to other than that one neighbor whose plot, overgrown with weeds instead of a carefully trimmed lawn, has been an eyesore to everyone around.

I really loved this interweaving of themes. Neglect: at home, by physically or mentally absent parents; alleged neglect of the "overgrown" front yard by the neighbor who is actually restoring habitat for local species; and of course, the interpreted neglect of the baby bird by its parents. Not everything is what it seems from the beginning, and Joy has to revisit many of her beliefs about the world and herself on this journey. One of them, for instance: the idea that she cannot control her strength and inadvertently hurts everyone she cares about — like she hurt her baby brother a few years earlier. The understanding that letting anything apart from lawn grass grow in front of the house is neglect is also up for reconsideration, of course. But this story is beautifully about both of these things: what happens in Joy's family and what she discovers about nature — without one being just a metaphor for the other.

In case anyone is deciding whether to suggest this book to actual middle-graders, I totally recommend it — but I would like to warn that it should be offered with caution to anyone currently going through a parental divorce. It can be therapeutic if read in a supportive setting, perhaps, but I would discourage suggesting it to kids at such a moment in their lives in the hope that the book by itself will be therapeutic. Joy's despair at her life falling apart, and her sudden need to become the adult in the family and fix everything, is just too well written — to the point that it may feel too relatable and triggering.

And please contact responsible experts if you’ve found a wild bird fledgling seemingly abandoned by its parents (and the same in the case of a human child — but for the opposite reasons, perhaps).

Publication date: August 5, 2025.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC. The opinion above is entirely my own (informed by a professional interest in children's books rather than by my own age or by an experience of reading it with children in my care).

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Joy Holderman and her brother Ian have had a hard time since their parents divorced. Their father isn't great about picking them up on time or following through with plans, and their mother is so depressed that she often doesn't make it out of bed in order to buy groceries or take care of the yard. The neighbors are starting to notice, and when Joy's best friend Char overhears Ian talking to the school counselor, Ms. Bertoli, Joy panicks about Children's Protective Services getting involved. When she is trying to do some lawn care herself, she finds an injured bird and is afraid a neighbor's cat might kill it, so she brings it inside and tries to take care of it. When she panics that she has perhaps done the wrong thing, she consults a neighbor whose yard is rewilded, which many of the other neighbors do not like. Mrs. MacRury, or Ezzie, as she likes to be called, is not friendly at first, but does help with the bird. Joy and Ian spend time in her yard, and it is a welcome break from their troubles at home. Joy does laundry, cooks, and makes a list of groceries for her mother. She sees a "final notice" bill for the electricity, which is soon cut off, and the mother still isn't motivated to action. Joy texts her mother's friend, Simone, telling her that they are not okay, especially after she sees legal papers indicating that her father is seeking custody because of the "mental instability" of the mother. This is especially important, since long held secrets about the father's interaction with the children come to light. Will Joy and her family be able to find a way forward?
Strengths: Stories about parental abuse and neglect tend to circulate well in my library; my daughter was a big fan. She explained that the books made her feel better about her own life, and I see this played out frequently in my library, usually in the winter, when readers crave this kind of comfort. The Holderman situation isn't dire, but it's getting there. Joy is able to take care of Ian, and does not want anyone, even her friend Char, to know their business. There are supportive adults, like Ms. Bertoli and Ezzie, and that's always a good, hopeful inclusion in this type of book. The problematic behavior of the father is foreshadowed nicely, and the inclusion of gaslighting is something that doesn't show up a lot in middle grade novels. Ezzie is an interesting character, and I love that she is rewilding her yard. I've been working on my own property since I read Burns' The Hive Detectives, and thankfully my neighbors have all been supportive. It's an interesting and important thing for readers to learn about!.
Weaknesses: The illustration style of the cover and interior pictures make this seem very young. It might be hard to get seventh and eighth grade readers to pick this up.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who are comforted by stories about children whose lives are worse than their own like Kalmar's Stealing Mt. Rushmore, LeZotte's Deer Run Home or Florence and Scrimger's The Other Side of Perfect.

[Eunice · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the father in this book called his eleven-year-old daughter "Bruiser," I felt like I was going to throw up. The term itself wasn't the problem; it was the happy, butterscotch and sawdust warmth he wrapped it in. You know that sick feeling you get when you see someone give a toddler a poisoned apple with a smile?

That's the visceral texture that Lisa Gerlits gets in the opening act of Rewilding. It's a subtle, sneaky kind of brutality. I've read hundreds of middle-grade stories about broken families, but Gerlits does something that doesn't happen very often: she uses love as a weapon. She teaches us that the most deadly traps aren't the ones that snap shut on your leg; they're the ones that offer you ice cream and make you feel like you're the clumsy, dangerous one.

Let's get rid of the usual "girl saves bird" story because that's merely the framework. The main idea behind this book is mirroring restoration.

The main point here isn't simply to save a scrub jay; it's also about "rewilding" a human mind that has been paved over by gaslighting. Gerlits does a great job of contrasting the Dad's manicured, controlled world (the "Splash Kingdom" promise, the fixation with appearances) with the "ARK" yard of the neighbor, Ezzie.

I was lingering at the "Bruiser" melody frequently. The author utilizes it to destroy Joy’s autonomy, teaching her that her power is a disadvantage. But look at how Gerlits reverses the script using the ecological framework: in the wild yard, strength is important. You have to pull the weeds by the root; you have to be firm. The book contends that wildness, the chaotic, unrefined, robust self isn’t something to be pruned back. It’s the only thing that endures.

4 stars! This is crucial reading for anyone who has ever felt like the "weed" in their own family garden and needs a reminder that being wild is just another word for being free.

[Lynn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I am quiet. Those last words strike a chord in me. Listening, watching, protecting. I think of Mom. I think of Ian. I think of spotting neglect.” - Joy, Rewilding

Rewilding by Lisa Gerlits is a realistic, sad but ultimately heartwarming story of Joy Holderman, an eleven year old girl, trying her best to take care of her younger brother Ian and her mother when their father leaves the family. She tries to parent her brother and run the household while her mother spends her days laying on the couch, all in an effort to keep Child Protective Services becoming involved in their situation.

As if Joy doesn’t have enough on her plate, Ian finds a baby bird in a wood pile and begs Joy to keep it. Initially reluctant, Joy soon heavily invests in doing the best to care for the bird - even asking for help from the scary and strange woman in her neighborhood. What unfolds from here is a story about what it means to be judged/not everything is as it seems, asking for help, community, and friendship.

The story contains heavy concepts of neglect, emotional abuse, and how people impact the environment. There is nothing graphic but rather implied or simply stated (like what is gaslighting.)

I believe this story is written sensitively and will appeal to middle school students who generally engage with stories contain characters their age who struggle with feeling confident and successful. Joy and Ian’s home life will, unfortunately, resonate with some students as well but this could also help those students understand that speaking up and asking for help can lead to positive changes.

This novel could be paired with Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, Blended by Sharon M. Draper and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo.

Thank you to NetGalley and Red Chair Press for the advanced copy to read. All opinions here are my own.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is is a charming story about Joy, a young girl who is struggling with her parents' break up and her mother's consequent depression. She is terrified that her school will summon child protective services if they find out what is really going on in her home.

All this puts additional pressure on Joy to act as a parent to her younger brother, with regard to whom she already has a guilty conscience for reasons we discover.

In the midst of all, Joy finds an unexpected respite after she discovers a baby bird, apparently abandoned, and establishes a relationship of sorts with a neighbour who is creating a wild garden on her property.

It is a touching story, with important lessons for young readers, but I did feel that the illustrations were inadequate and didn't really match the nature of the story telling. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jacob D. Salzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewilding by Lisa Gerlits is an excellent middle-grade novel that has important messages for us all. Gerlits did an excellent job with the character development in her book, as we learn what rewilding really means. Family, friendships, psychology, and Nature are woven together to create an engaging experience. Drawing from her experience writing haiku, her descriptive imagery in this book is often poetic at the same time. The will power of the main character is a driving force in this novel, as she faces challenges head-on, at home, in school, and in her neighborhood. Ultimately, this novel encourages us to see ourselves within a much larger community within Nature. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Jacob D. Salzer, author of Sea Wind: Haiku (Lulu, 2025), My First Trip to Japan (Lulu, 2025), A Lost Prophet: Haiku & Tanka (Brooks Books, 2024), and Unplugged- Haiku & Tanka (Lulu, 2022)

[Amber Wessies Owrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a great story. Although as an adult reader, I could tell what was going on with Joy's father, I still enjoyed the story. Joy struggles with not knowing her own strength because her dad has always told her to be careful and called her Bruiser. Joy's parents are separated, and her mom is not doing well. Joy thinks it's her responsibility to take care of everything. When Joy and her brother "rescue" a baby bird, Joy learns about rewilding. Will Joy be able to help her mother? Can Joy help the baby bird?
This book covers some heavy topics like parental separation, child neglect, depression, abuse, and gaslighting. However, it was well written and accurately portrays the experience of an eleven-year-old.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real life problems faced by real people. It's a story about how we can help restore the ecosystem but mostly about how one can face challenges in life. Not all problems can be fixed, but with help you can learn to deal with it and be encouraged. Reassurance of one's value to others.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Red Chair Press | One Elm Books via NetGalley. Avail Aug 05, 2025 @goodreads @bookbub ***** #storygraph @librarythingofficial @kobo @waterstones #middlegrades #feelingoverwhelmed #rewilding by #Lisa Gerlits @redchairpress #realfears #realistic #savingonebird #divorce #depression #bodyimage #selfesteem #supportivefriend #abusiveparent #siblings

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that I did not expect this book to end up with 5 stars when I decided to read it. So why did I choose it? Well, rewilding is trendy right now and I wanted to learn more about what it means for our world during this time of climate change. And yes, I learned how interdependent humanity and nature are. What surprised me, however, was seeing how powerful the healing powers of embracing nature can be and the reminder that parents are just sometimes a disappointment but it's okay to love them anyway. What a treasure this book turned out to be!

[Emily Lenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a great read. I haven't found many books in my life that have captured so accurately what I felt growing up, but this one felt like a real reflection of some of my own fears and insecurities and secret keeping I had when I was 11. So beautifully written.

Thank you Netgalley and Lisa Gerlits for this ARC!

[Lindsay Bice · Rating 5 out of 5]

great for all ages

I read this book myself, gave it to my teenage daughter and then read it to my son. It is a great story with real life problems. You could relate to Joy, trying to make the most out of a messy situation. Highly recommend!

[Susan Faloon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. Review soon.

[Kelly Maust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, precious story about some realistic kids in a all-too-common life situation, dealing with divorced parents, a mom with depression, navigating potential CPS issues, parentification, and food insecurity. The oldest child feels like she has to notice and balance everyone's emotions in the family ("my fulcrum duties"). She also feels like she has to hide the family neglect and drama so her and her little brother won't be taken away ("I need to make us look so good on the outside that no one will question what's going on inside.") But it's also about a kooky neighbor who insists that the city allows her yard to have 10 foot high weeds, and the healing power of nature. The main character/narrator is just such a genuine good kid. This truly made me cry at multiple points.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. A new favorite. I am waiting for the audiobook's release and plan to reread it and write a full review then.

So much gratitude to author Lisa Gerlits for bringing this book into the world.

Companion Read:
- "With Just One Wing" by Brenda Woods - great match for a duo read