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Sprout
Sprout has always hidden from the world—having antlers growing out of your head will do that. But when she hears that someone else like her might exist, she's willing to risk her safety—and that of her town—to get to the truth. A fantastical middle grade adventure that is sure to grow on you.
Sprout isn't what you would call a typical middle schooler (though who is typical in middle school?). But Sprout is unusual not because she rarely leaves the house (though she doesn't), nor because she is abnormally tall (though she is), nor even because her name is Sprout and her mother works as a florist (actually that one is less unusual and more entirely her mom's fault). Instead, Sprout is unique because of the tree-like antlers that bloom from her head, her plantlers if you will.
Sprout had gotten used to living in relative isolation...until she hears another girl has been spotted with wild antlers. Another girl who looks like her. Determined to see if there is someone else who understands the strangeness she feels, Sprout sets out. Along the way, she attracts the attention of EB, a boy whose unusual memory and sudden blackouts means he knows what it is to feel different, and a strange pair of twins who seem intent on tracking their every move.
A fast-paced, quick-witted, and marvelously fantastical adventure about learning to embrace who you are—thorns and all.
Sprout isn't what you would call a typical middle schooler (though who is typical in middle school?). But Sprout is unusual not because she rarely leaves the house (though she doesn't), nor because she is abnormally tall (though she is), nor even because her name is Sprout and her mother works as a florist (actually that one is less unusual and more entirely her mom's fault). Instead, Sprout is unique because of the tree-like antlers that bloom from her head, her plantlers if you will.
Sprout had gotten used to living in relative isolation...until she hears another girl has been spotted with wild antlers. Another girl who looks like her. Determined to see if there is someone else who understands the strangeness she feels, Sprout sets out. Along the way, she attracts the attention of EB, a boy whose unusual memory and sudden blackouts means he knows what it is to feel different, and a strange pair of twins who seem intent on tracking their every move.
A fast-paced, quick-witted, and marvelously fantastical adventure about learning to embrace who you are—thorns and all.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
Taylor Tyng
3 books27 followersTaylor Tyng is an American author of fantastical fiction for young readers. His first novel, CLARA POOLE AND THE LONG WAY ROUND (Pixel+Ink), was called "an engrossing and inventive flight through the skies" by Kirkus Reviews and a "soaring debut with echoes of Jules Verne and Roald Dahl" by Booklist. Its follow-up, CLARA POOLE AND THE WRONG WAY UP was published in July 2024. Taylor is currently working on SPROUT (Random House Children's Books, 2026), a middle grade contemporary fantasy about a girl searching for the truth behind her strange abnormality.
Taylor Tyng got to writing late. After spending his early years performing in LA rock clubs, Taylor created a design agency and a software company for the advertising and entertainment industries, surrounding himself with the art of storytelling. He's created designs that have traveled to space, written songs for film, played bit roles in bad movies, and occasionally does dumb things like rocketing down bobsled tracks or snorkeling in Iceland during winter. As a lifelong dyslexic, Taylor never imagined becoming an author was on the list, which only proves how random and remarkable life's journey can be.
Taylor lives in a 1700s farmhouse outside Boston with his wife, two daughters, and a very busy miniature Australian Shepherd.
Visit Taylor at www.taylortyng.com or on Twitter and Instagram @taylortyng.
Taylor Tyng got to writing late. After spending his early years performing in LA rock clubs, Taylor created a design agency and a software company for the advertising and entertainment industries, surrounding himself with the art of storytelling. He's created designs that have traveled to space, written songs for film, played bit roles in bad movies, and occasionally does dumb things like rocketing down bobsled tracks or snorkeling in Iceland during winter. As a lifelong dyslexic, Taylor never imagined becoming an author was on the list, which only proves how random and remarkable life's journey can be.
Taylor lives in a 1700s farmhouse outside Boston with his wife, two daughters, and a very busy miniature Australian Shepherd.
Visit Taylor at www.taylortyng.com or on Twitter and Instagram @taylortyng.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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April 30, 2026Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Sprout by Taylor Tyng is a first person-POV middle grade contemporary fantasy. Sprout has spent her whole life knowing that she's different, and not just because the name ‘Sprout’ is really an acronym for her full name, but because she has plantlers that bloom with her emotions. With her first year back in school looming on the horizon, she also catches the attention of people who seek to find and hurt her.
This felt a lot like Sweet Tooth for middle grade readers, particularly in how the themes of the characters are related to science and nature and in the evil organization keeping an eye on Sprout. It's always great to have options for younger readers that work as rough equivalents for edgy, dark material that the adults in their life are into. Where this differs is that there isn't as much of a focus on experimentation on children and there aren't individuals with animal features as distinct as what is found in Sweet Tooth.
The main thing I found interesting was how Sprout and E. B., a new friend her age she meets in their therapist’s waiting room, interact. There's a very clear understanding between them that they are not ‘normal’ but there's also a lot of secrecy between them. This helps create some mystery in the plot and also keeps the reader wondering what else E. B. might nor might not know about Sprout.
The book deals with Sprout having an absent father who is occasionally present in her life, but has never been properly introduced to her as her biological father. A lot of kids grow up with complicated family dynamics, including ones where they know who some is to them, technically, but nobody talks about it so the emotional bond isn't allowed to form. Those young readers need representation just as much as any other kid.
I would recommend this to young readers curious about Sweet Tooth and guardians and educators looking for material to help children learn about or process less traditional family dynamics.
Sprout by Taylor Tyng is a first person-POV middle grade contemporary fantasy. Sprout has spent her whole life knowing that she's different, and not just because the name ‘Sprout’ is really an acronym for her full name, but because she has plantlers that bloom with her emotions. With her first year back in school looming on the horizon, she also catches the attention of people who seek to find and hurt her.
This felt a lot like Sweet Tooth for middle grade readers, particularly in how the themes of the characters are related to science and nature and in the evil organization keeping an eye on Sprout. It's always great to have options for younger readers that work as rough equivalents for edgy, dark material that the adults in their life are into. Where this differs is that there isn't as much of a focus on experimentation on children and there aren't individuals with animal features as distinct as what is found in Sweet Tooth.
The main thing I found interesting was how Sprout and E. B., a new friend her age she meets in their therapist’s waiting room, interact. There's a very clear understanding between them that they are not ‘normal’ but there's also a lot of secrecy between them. This helps create some mystery in the plot and also keeps the reader wondering what else E. B. might nor might not know about Sprout.
The book deals with Sprout having an absent father who is occasionally present in her life, but has never been properly introduced to her as her biological father. A lot of kids grow up with complicated family dynamics, including ones where they know who some is to them, technically, but nobody talks about it so the emotional bond isn't allowed to form. Those young readers need representation just as much as any other kid.
I would recommend this to young readers curious about Sweet Tooth and guardians and educators looking for material to help children learn about or process less traditional family dynamics.
November 26, 2025
I've been lucky enough to have an advanced copy of 'Sprout' passed to me, and I have to say that I loved this book. I read a lot of middle grade fiction (I'm a teacher, parent, and children's fiction fan) and Taylor Ting writes beautifully. For me, this book has all of the ingredients that make for a great middle grade read. I loved it myself (I'm 48!), but I read and enjoyed reading it with my son (aged 11) - he also loved it but is too lazy to write reviews! Combining a strong female protagonist (a.k.a Sprout), a winsome male side kick (EB), a nefarious billionare and morally dubious doctor, the plot (no spoilers) sees Sprout and EB find each other, friendship and the path to embracing who they are. The storyline offers twists and turns, but for me, it is really the characters that stayed with me. E.B with his mop of red hair and Sprout with her . . . I'll let you find out. Ting is a great writer. The Clara Poole books are now on my Christmas list!
December 28, 2025
Thank you RHCBInfluencers at Random House Kids @randomhousekids #RandomHouseKidsPartner and Taylor Tyng @TaylorTyng for this free book!
“Sprout” by Taylor Tyng⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy. Location: A Massachusetts, USA mill town. NOTE: DEI Inclusive.
Sprout (13) isn’t a typical middle schooler. She feels isolated and friendless, rarely leaves her house, and is extremely tall. But what makes Sprout unique because she has tree-like antlers that bloom from her head (her “plantlers”). Sprout hides her antlers by keeping them trimmed and wearing a hat-but when her emotions take over, they bloom. When she hears rumors of another girl like her, she risks her safety and ventures out to Ichabod Wood, uncovering her town's hidden past, and attracting attention from a curious doctor, terrifying twins, and a boy named E.B with an unusual memory and sudden blackouts.
Author Tyng has written a quirky adventure about a girl who dares to leave her safe haven to find others like her. His book’s themes include embracing who you are, finding your place, and secrets hidden in plain sight. Tyng’s twisty mystery was inspired by a drawing from his daughter. It’s fast-paced, clever, charmingly fantastical, and it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars from me 📚👩🏼🦳 #sprout #DEI #taylortyng #RandomHouseBooksForYoungReaders
“Sprout” by Taylor Tyng⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy. Location: A Massachusetts, USA mill town. NOTE: DEI Inclusive.
Sprout (13) isn’t a typical middle schooler. She feels isolated and friendless, rarely leaves her house, and is extremely tall. But what makes Sprout unique because she has tree-like antlers that bloom from her head (her “plantlers”). Sprout hides her antlers by keeping them trimmed and wearing a hat-but when her emotions take over, they bloom. When she hears rumors of another girl like her, she risks her safety and ventures out to Ichabod Wood, uncovering her town's hidden past, and attracting attention from a curious doctor, terrifying twins, and a boy named E.B with an unusual memory and sudden blackouts.
Author Tyng has written a quirky adventure about a girl who dares to leave her safe haven to find others like her. His book’s themes include embracing who you are, finding your place, and secrets hidden in plain sight. Tyng’s twisty mystery was inspired by a drawing from his daughter. It’s fast-paced, clever, charmingly fantastical, and it’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars from me 📚👩🏼🦳 #sprout #DEI #taylortyng #RandomHouseBooksForYoungReaders
May 12, 2026
Sprout is an excellent addition to the middle grade fantasy genre. We meet Sprout, a 13-year-old with the unusual ability to grow blooming tree branches from her head like antlers. Her antlers first appeared when she was five, and since then she’s lived a quiet, carefully controlled life with her mom; homeschooled, keeping her antlers cut short, and always wearing a hat.
Now everything is starting to unravel. Her estranged dad suddenly reappears, unsettling adults from the local medical asylum begin following her around town, and she’s having more trouble than ever keeping her antlers from blooming. On top of that, she reads a newspaper article about a girl who has escaped from the asylum and may be just like her. With the help of her new friend E.B., Sprout sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding her powers and the runaway girl, ultimately working to save not only herself but her entire town.
The book is well written, with enough twists and turns to keep the plot moving at a quick pace, and the characters are genuinely endearing. It also lands on a lovely message about embracing who you are, not hiding hard truths because of fear, and standing up for what is right. That said, there isn’t much diversity beyond the fantastical element of the characters’ plant-based antlers. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
Now everything is starting to unravel. Her estranged dad suddenly reappears, unsettling adults from the local medical asylum begin following her around town, and she’s having more trouble than ever keeping her antlers from blooming. On top of that, she reads a newspaper article about a girl who has escaped from the asylum and may be just like her. With the help of her new friend E.B., Sprout sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding her powers and the runaway girl, ultimately working to save not only herself but her entire town.
The book is well written, with enough twists and turns to keep the plot moving at a quick pace, and the characters are genuinely endearing. It also lands on a lovely message about embracing who you are, not hiding hard truths because of fear, and standing up for what is right. That said, there isn’t much diversity beyond the fantastical element of the characters’ plant-based antlers. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
March 30, 2026
4.5/5
Thank you @randomhousekids #partner for the gifted copy of this book!
Okay but HOW CUTE is this concept?! 🌱💚 Sprout absolutely stole my heart!!
This is such a unique and charming middle grade story about a girl who literally grows plantlers 🌿 out of her head. She has to navigate standing out when all she wants is to fit in.
I adored watching her journey. She went from feeling unsure and wanting to hide who she was to slowly growing into her confidence and embracing her uniqueness. I just adored that this story was so sweet. The messaging about identity, self acceptance and learning that what makes you different can also be your strength stood out to me. I know middle grade can be hard and I think sometimes kids just need this messaging reiterated in books!
And can we just talk about how creative this world felt?! The idea alone had me hooked! Taylor’s execution made it even better. This was such a fun and imaginative story. It had a perfect balance of whimsical + meaningful moral of the story that I just adore in middle grade books.
This one just left me smiling! 🥹 Overall I felt like this one was a cozy and uplifting read. It is perfect for younger readers and adults who love a little magic with heart.
Highly recommend if you love stories that are:
🌱 Whimsical & imaginative
💚 Full of heart
✨ Centered on self-discovery
🌿 A little weird and fun at the same time
Such a gem of a story!!
Thank you @randomhousekids #partner for the gifted copy of this book!
Okay but HOW CUTE is this concept?! 🌱💚 Sprout absolutely stole my heart!!
This is such a unique and charming middle grade story about a girl who literally grows plantlers 🌿 out of her head. She has to navigate standing out when all she wants is to fit in.
I adored watching her journey. She went from feeling unsure and wanting to hide who she was to slowly growing into her confidence and embracing her uniqueness. I just adored that this story was so sweet. The messaging about identity, self acceptance and learning that what makes you different can also be your strength stood out to me. I know middle grade can be hard and I think sometimes kids just need this messaging reiterated in books!
And can we just talk about how creative this world felt?! The idea alone had me hooked! Taylor’s execution made it even better. This was such a fun and imaginative story. It had a perfect balance of whimsical + meaningful moral of the story that I just adore in middle grade books.
This one just left me smiling! 🥹 Overall I felt like this one was a cozy and uplifting read. It is perfect for younger readers and adults who love a little magic with heart.
Highly recommend if you love stories that are:
🌱 Whimsical & imaginative
💚 Full of heart
✨ Centered on self-discovery
🌿 A little weird and fun at the same time
Such a gem of a story!!
April 30, 2026
I have read all three of Tyng's books (so far!), and while it is hard to pick a favorite, Sprout is one I will read a gain and again: the characters are well developed, the plot is engaging, and the resolution is satisfying. I particularly appreciate the measured tension as the mystery unfolds—not so stressful that I had to stop reading, but unnerving enough that I wanted to keep turning the pages to find out what came next. Also appreciated the laugh-out-loud humor, the vivid descriptions, and the mostly realistic relationships between adults and kids—I can't explain more without spoiling what I think is the central relationship! The villains range from borderline comical to downright creepy, the heroes are believably clever and capable, and the blend between real and fantastical is subtle and just weird enough, without throwing me out of the story. My favorite part is how the locations are so richly depicted as to be characters on their own. I sure do hope Tyng keeps writing, because I will read anything he puts out in the world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Cute and Quirky Characters and World
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
I love a good middle grade read, and Sprout did not disappoint! Between Sprout as our protagonist and EB as the perfect sidekick, this book was adorably cute in the best way.
Without giving anything away, this story is packed with quirky characters, a fun fantasy setting, and a mystery woven throughout—two of my favorite genres done really well. It’s charming, engaging, and just a joy to read from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more from this author and would definitely recommend it to fantasy fans, mystery lovers, and anyone looking for a delightful middle grade adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
I love a good middle grade read, and Sprout did not disappoint! Between Sprout as our protagonist and EB as the perfect sidekick, this book was adorably cute in the best way.
Without giving anything away, this story is packed with quirky characters, a fun fantasy setting, and a mystery woven throughout—two of my favorite genres done really well. It’s charming, engaging, and just a joy to read from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more from this author and would definitely recommend it to fantasy fans, mystery lovers, and anyone looking for a delightful middle grade adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**I received an ARC from NetGalley** I loved this so much! Sprout is an immediately endearing character and we soon meet E.B., who breathes life into Sprouts world. He’s funny and a little chaotic, but he and Sprout form a duo to solve a mystery and the stakes are high. I think this is an excellent example of why middle grade books are just simply the best. There’s mystery, family dynamics, humor, and wild imagination without the adult misgivings. These kids charged forward to do what they needed to do.
May 18, 2026
Sprout is a middle grade fantasy that will grow on you. Sprout is a girl who is a bit different. She grows plantlers -antler like plants- from her head and has spent years hiding from the world. But shortly after she befriends a youngster who has differences that no one sees, her world starts coming undone. This story is full of great characters, kids who are different from normal, a greedy billionaire and a shady doctor It mixes dysfunctional families and being different with fantasy and adventure in a plot with as many twists and turns as Sprout's plantlers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A book filled with mystery, quirky adventure, family dynamics, humor, and wild imagination. The characters are fun to follow. The main characters are trying to find their place in world that makes them feel “othered” because they are different from the norm. This will resonate with many who feel like they are outsider or don’t fit in. A wll written, wonderful book that will bring comfort to many. Thank You to Netgalley for the ARC copy.
April 28, 2026
Listened to this book with my kids. Super engaging, very tense and great pacing of events. The way the character trusts the court of public opinion feels a little naive even for a magic book.. and Ebi develops a line interest too suddenly while Sprout seems to feel no jealousy? The ending felt a touch disappointing, but the kids loved every moment of it.
April 4, 2026
Excellent tale about being yourself set in a small New England town with a creepy asylum nearby and a creepy villain. I really enjoyed this story. It explored the theme of being different without swatting you over the head with it over and over again.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews