Forest

by Janet Taylor Lisle

When twelve-year-old Amber accidentally triggers a war between humans and a community of squirrels, she finds out how similar the two species can be.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Animals, Childrens, Middle Grade, Juvenile

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

About the author

Janet Taylor Lisle was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and grew up in Farmington, Connecticut, spending summers on the Rhode Island coast.The eldest child and only daughter of an advertising executive and an architect, she attended local schools and at fifteen entered The Ethel Walker School, a girl’s boarding school in Simsbury, Connecticut.

After graduation from Smith College, she joined VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). She lived and worked for the next several years in Atlanta, Georgia, organizing food-buying cooperatives in the city’s public housing projects, and teaching in an early-childcare center. She later enrolled in journalism courses at Georgia State University. This was the beginning of a reporting career that extended over the next ten years.

With the birth of her daughter, Lisle turned from journalism to writing projects she could accomplish at home. In 1984, The Dancing Cats of Appesap, her first novel for children, was published by Bradbury Press (Macmillan.) Subsequently, she has published sixteen other novels. Her fourth novel, Afternoon of the Elves (Orchard Books) won a 1990 Newbery Honor award and was adapted as a play by the Seattle Children’s Theater in 1993. It continues to be performed throughout the U.S. Theater productions of the story have also been mounted in Australia and The Netherlands.

Lisle’s novels for children have received Italy’s Premio Andersen Award, Holland’s Zilveren Griffel, and Notable and Best Book distinction from the American Library Association, among other honors. She lives with her husband, Richard Lisle, on the Rhode Island coast, the scene for Black Duck(2006), The Crying Rocks (2003) and The Art of Keeping Cool, which won the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2001.

Reviews

[Jessica P. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to read this book... 3 times I picked it up and read the first 5 pages or so. I could NOT get into it. AT ALL.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked Wendell the most of the characters in there. This book gives squirrels more credit for their hard work than most people do, so I liked the whole book, and think you might, too, unless you are concerned about these animals chewing through parts of your property, that is.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about how peaceful civilizations can turn into warring neighbors when misconceptions, prejudice and their own 'beastly' side is allowed to take control over their better judgment. On one side are 'highly intelligent squirrels' and on the other, the humans. What starts out as just a inadvertent venture into the others' space turns out into an all out war. Only a couple kids and young squirrels are the voice of reason as the adults in both sides end up allowing a misled character, ruled by anger and hunger for power, to rise and lead their people into a full-fledged war.

Despite the pretty heavy topics of war, hate, prejudice, and evil, the book is still a 'kids' book. There's some death, so maybe it's not for the younger crowd, but the language is basic enough, and the story is simple enough for middle-elementary and up to follow. Both T & E read it, and loved it. It was reminiscent of the Redwall series, but not as complex (and this book involved humans). I liked that it told the story from both sides' point of view.

Overall, it brings up some great teaching moments for the kids, about not judging others, bullying, misunderstandings, the evil inside any of us, and the hope that even a small minority voice can still make a difference.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was great. It establishes two worlds, the Upper Forest of the squirrels and the Lower Forest of the humans. Each world features an intriguing central character, and they are drawn to each other. These characters provide the hope of reconciliation when the two worlds engage in an escalating conflict. The second half plays out the story in a logical manner, but the characters become less interesting. The story becomes too plot driven, rather than character driven.

Nevertheless, I recommend the book to those who are interested in the relationship between people and the natural world. I am eager to read more by this author, because I like her sensibility. Her book "Afternoon of the Elves" sounds good.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of two towns that exist side by side, or rather above and below each other. There is Lower Forest inhabited by people and Upper Forest inhabited by mink-tailed squirrels. These two groups have ignored each other for years until Amber Padgett and her family intrude in Upper Forest and are seen by Woodbine and the other squirrels. Misunderstandings abound and soon the two Forests are at war. Can Amber stop the fighting before it starts and restore peaceful co-existence between the two towns? A delightfully fun and quick read.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking back, and looking at the numbers of Goodreads ratings, I mostly read books that were popular as a child -- but then a few of my favorites seem to have been unexpectedly obscure. This is certainly one of Lisle's lesser known books, and was extremely difficult to find the name of despite some intensive Googling, but well worth it. It's completely odd, completely interesting book, featuring a mostly-unseen squirrel civilization suddenly at odds with the humans living around them. Recommended!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great book... about girl and squirrels "attacking", check it out and enjoy this short read~