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Forever Birchwood
The middle-grade debut of star picture-book author and illustrator Danielle Daniel
Adventurous, trail-blazing Wolf lives in a northern mining town and spends her days exploring the mountains and wilderness with her three best friends Penny, Ann and Brandi. The girls’ secret refuge is their tree-house hideaway, Birchwood, Wolf’s favourite place on earth. When her beloved grandmother tells her that she is the great-granddaughter of a tree talker, Wolf knows that she is destined to protect the birch trees and wildlife that surround her.
But Wolf’s mother doesn’t understand this connection at all. Not only is she reluctant to engage with their family’s Indigenous roots, she seems suspiciously on the wrong side of the environmental protection efforts in their hometown. To make matters worse, she’s just started dating an annoying new boyfriend named Roger, whose motives—and construction company—seem equally suspect.
As summer arrives, so do bigger problems. Wolf and her friends discover orange plastic bands wrapped around the trees near their cherished hangout spot, and their once stable friendship seems on the verge of unravelling. Birchwood has given them so much—can they even stay together long enough to save this special place?
With gorgeous yet understated language, Danielle Daniel beautifully captures an urgent and aching time in a young person’s life. To read this astonishing middle-grade debut is to have your heart broken and then tenderly mended.
Adventurous, trail-blazing Wolf lives in a northern mining town and spends her days exploring the mountains and wilderness with her three best friends Penny, Ann and Brandi. The girls’ secret refuge is their tree-house hideaway, Birchwood, Wolf’s favourite place on earth. When her beloved grandmother tells her that she is the great-granddaughter of a tree talker, Wolf knows that she is destined to protect the birch trees and wildlife that surround her.
But Wolf’s mother doesn’t understand this connection at all. Not only is she reluctant to engage with their family’s Indigenous roots, she seems suspiciously on the wrong side of the environmental protection efforts in their hometown. To make matters worse, she’s just started dating an annoying new boyfriend named Roger, whose motives—and construction company—seem equally suspect.
As summer arrives, so do bigger problems. Wolf and her friends discover orange plastic bands wrapped around the trees near their cherished hangout spot, and their once stable friendship seems on the verge of unravelling. Birchwood has given them so much—can they even stay together long enough to save this special place?
With gorgeous yet understated language, Danielle Daniel beautifully captures an urgent and aching time in a young person’s life. To read this astonishing middle-grade debut is to have your heart broken and then tenderly mended.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2022
15 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 9, 2022
I received a copy of Forever Birchwood by Danielle Daniel from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Danielle Daniel is an amazing picture book author and illustrator so I was so excited to hear that she had written a middle grade novel. Forever Birchwood is her middle grade debut and it met all my expectations and more.
There is just so much going on to this middle grade novel - family, grief, connecting to Indigenous roots, nature, preservation and conservation of nature, friendship - and all of it is integrated into a wonderful complex story about growing up and standing up for what one believes and wants to protect. Wolf is a young girl who is dealing with tensions within her family - she loves spending time with her grandmother, she has more trouble bonding with her mother due to their different stances on their Indigenous roots, she is grieving the loss of her grandfather who was a father figure in her life. There is a beautiful and touching layer of this three generational family story running through this entire novel.
Aside from the family tensions, Wolf is also dealing with changes happening within her friendship group. She has three best friends and as their last year in elementary school ends and summer begins, the friends find themselves at odds with one another. I think that these changes are so reflective of friendships at that point in one's life as everyone is growing up and still trying to figure things out. But the beautiful thing that continues to tie them together is the place they've created and loved in the mountains - Birchwood. When Birchwood is in danger, Wolf and her friends need to figure out what it means - that perhaps it is in working together as they have always done that they will overcome the obstacles in their way.
A huge aspect of the story that I loved was the importance of protecting nature and wildlife. As Wolf and her friends try to find ways to protect Birchwood, they try to figure out what adults in their life they can trust and turn to. It was quite heartbreaking at one point in the story when they reach out to a teacher who has always emphasized protecting nature, only to find out that the teacher has something to gain that contradicts what she had taught them. But the story is also uplifting as it shows that there are still people within the community who will do the right thing and stand by their convictions when the time came. It goes to show that you can never really know someone until the time for action calls for them to take a stand.
I just loved everything about this coming-of-age middle grade novel set in a small town in Canada. It was uplifting and insightful. Wolf is a young girl that you cannot help but root for as she comes into her own individuality and person, fighting to protect nature and the people she loves in her life. What a fantastic debut by Danielle Daniel - I look forward to reading more middle grade novels written by her.
CW: grief, death, death of a parent, cancer
Danielle Daniel is an amazing picture book author and illustrator so I was so excited to hear that she had written a middle grade novel. Forever Birchwood is her middle grade debut and it met all my expectations and more.
There is just so much going on to this middle grade novel - family, grief, connecting to Indigenous roots, nature, preservation and conservation of nature, friendship - and all of it is integrated into a wonderful complex story about growing up and standing up for what one believes and wants to protect. Wolf is a young girl who is dealing with tensions within her family - she loves spending time with her grandmother, she has more trouble bonding with her mother due to their different stances on their Indigenous roots, she is grieving the loss of her grandfather who was a father figure in her life. There is a beautiful and touching layer of this three generational family story running through this entire novel.
Aside from the family tensions, Wolf is also dealing with changes happening within her friendship group. She has three best friends and as their last year in elementary school ends and summer begins, the friends find themselves at odds with one another. I think that these changes are so reflective of friendships at that point in one's life as everyone is growing up and still trying to figure things out. But the beautiful thing that continues to tie them together is the place they've created and loved in the mountains - Birchwood. When Birchwood is in danger, Wolf and her friends need to figure out what it means - that perhaps it is in working together as they have always done that they will overcome the obstacles in their way.
A huge aspect of the story that I loved was the importance of protecting nature and wildlife. As Wolf and her friends try to find ways to protect Birchwood, they try to figure out what adults in their life they can trust and turn to. It was quite heartbreaking at one point in the story when they reach out to a teacher who has always emphasized protecting nature, only to find out that the teacher has something to gain that contradicts what she had taught them. But the story is also uplifting as it shows that there are still people within the community who will do the right thing and stand by their convictions when the time came. It goes to show that you can never really know someone until the time for action calls for them to take a stand.
I just loved everything about this coming-of-age middle grade novel set in a small town in Canada. It was uplifting and insightful. Wolf is a young girl that you cannot help but root for as she comes into her own individuality and person, fighting to protect nature and the people she loves in her life. What a fantastic debut by Danielle Daniel - I look forward to reading more middle grade novels written by her.
CW: grief, death, death of a parent, cancer
December 26, 2023
This book is about four kids who go behind their parents backs to save Birchwood. In the end the parents saw the land they where working with and stopped the construction. The 2 parents that were behind this switched there jobs to be more one with nature.
March 29, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forever Birchwood is a lovely story that would make a great read for your middle grade classroom. It is geared for preteens aged 9-12 years old but it is enjoyable by all ages! Forever Birchwood has many themes including friendship, environmentalism and indigenous teachings about nature. 🌳🍃It takes place in the northern mining town of Sudbury, Ontario and is written by an indigenous Canadian author. 🇨🇦
Wolf and her friends spend all of their spare time at their most favourite hideout, a tree fort amongst the birch trees. Unexpectedly, they discover that many of the trees have been tagged for clear cutting. They are devastated to think that they may lose their sacred refuge. Who is responsible for this and will they be able to save Birchwood in time?
My most favourite character is Grandma Houle. She has the most beautiful soul and is always sharing her indigenous knowledge through storytelling. ❤️ She reminded me of the grandmother from The Lorax. 🥰
Thank you to @danielledaniel for this signed copy in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
#bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #danielledaniel #foreverbirchwood #middlegradebooks #middlegradelit
Forever Birchwood is a lovely story that would make a great read for your middle grade classroom. It is geared for preteens aged 9-12 years old but it is enjoyable by all ages! Forever Birchwood has many themes including friendship, environmentalism and indigenous teachings about nature. 🌳🍃It takes place in the northern mining town of Sudbury, Ontario and is written by an indigenous Canadian author. 🇨🇦
Wolf and her friends spend all of their spare time at their most favourite hideout, a tree fort amongst the birch trees. Unexpectedly, they discover that many of the trees have been tagged for clear cutting. They are devastated to think that they may lose their sacred refuge. Who is responsible for this and will they be able to save Birchwood in time?
My most favourite character is Grandma Houle. She has the most beautiful soul and is always sharing her indigenous knowledge through storytelling. ❤️ She reminded me of the grandmother from The Lorax. 🥰
Thank you to @danielledaniel for this signed copy in exchange for an honest review. ❤️
#bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #danielledaniel #foreverbirchwood #middlegradebooks #middlegradelit
June 28, 2022
This was such a tender and powerful and nostalgic story of a group of girls, on the cusp of turning 13 and all the changes that brings, trying to save their town's trees and a historic site they discover. I really loved the relationships between Wolf and her friends, Hari, her grandma Houle, even her mother. There was an aching complexity here. I also love that the town librarian was a badass in disguise and helped them gather the information they needed AND even joined in their secret operation takedown! Will be recommending this to middle grade readers in search of a summer read of friendship, mystery, and fighting injustice.
July 26, 2025
4/5
Jr Read
Sudbury Ont
Early 2000’s
Indigenous FMC
The last few days of grade 8 and the Pack is about to get everything turned upside down
4 girls who have been friends forever and have a special treehouse
A construction company is about to take down their fav spot and a lot of wilderness
Reminds me a bit of Hoot by Carl Hiassen
Jr Read
Sudbury Ont
Early 2000’s
Indigenous FMC
The last few days of grade 8 and the Pack is about to get everything turned upside down
4 girls who have been friends forever and have a special treehouse
A construction company is about to take down their fav spot and a lot of wilderness
Reminds me a bit of Hoot by Carl Hiassen
January 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this middle grade (grade 6+) Indigenous eco-warrior novel subtly set in the 80s
January 8, 2022
Forever Birchwood by Danielle Daniel has been on my radar for a long time. Her debut middle grade novel, I have long admired her picture books so have been eagerly anticipating this novel. Due on bookshelves on January 18, 2022, I thank HarperCollins Canada for an advanced copy for review. The story was everything I had hoped and more.
Wolf is a girl on the precipice of teenagehood. Living in Sudbury, Ontario in the early 1980s, she has a fierce group of friends, her wolf pack, and a fierce love for the environment, especially the trees. For anyone familiar with Sudbury at the time, the city was in the process of a reforestation due to the environmental devestation of the mining industry. The story opens with Grandma Houle and Wolf visiting a towering yellow birch tree and knowledge from Grandma Houle’s indigenous roots. Through the story, Wolf learns a lot about activism, friendship, first love and family.
Personally, there was a TON for me to connect with in this story. Although I did not grow up in Sudbury, I did attend University there in the early 2000s and through Danielle Daniel’s descriptions was able to go back and remember all of the things I loved about being up north. Some of my favourite memories are when I headed out to the trails near Ramsay Lake are, just like Wolf, was among the trees. Also, Wolf’s birthday is June 24th, same as mine! Honestly, there is something really magical when readers can connect with a charcter through similarities to their own lives. Don’t think I didn’t miss the reference to The Goonies, perhaps the greatest film of the 1980s!
Okay so what about readers now, how will they connect to the story. Regardless of the era a story is set there is always something to connect to. The friendship among Penny, Brandi, Ann and Wolf is universal. I appreciated that Danielle Daniel wrote a group of four friends, three is so much more complicated, although this group of friends goes through their fair share of conflict. I appreciated how through kindness and compassion, they were able to solve their conflicts. Readers today will also connect with Wolf’s fierce desire to advocate for the environment and her community. We are seeing more and more young people standing up and speaking out for the environment.
Lastly, this is a really fun and heart warming story. I loved the relative simplicity of the time period. No cell phones and instant communication. The characters actually had to go out and see each other! There is intrigue and mystery, conflict and resolution. Readers will go through so many different emotions as they navigate Danielle Daniel’s story. You will love and then hate and then love again so many different characters throughout. You will be heartbroken and heart mended by the end. Funny that she references The Goonies, as this story had all of the spirit of that film with an equally, if not superior cast of characters.
Wolf is a girl on the precipice of teenagehood. Living in Sudbury, Ontario in the early 1980s, she has a fierce group of friends, her wolf pack, and a fierce love for the environment, especially the trees. For anyone familiar with Sudbury at the time, the city was in the process of a reforestation due to the environmental devestation of the mining industry. The story opens with Grandma Houle and Wolf visiting a towering yellow birch tree and knowledge from Grandma Houle’s indigenous roots. Through the story, Wolf learns a lot about activism, friendship, first love and family.
Personally, there was a TON for me to connect with in this story. Although I did not grow up in Sudbury, I did attend University there in the early 2000s and through Danielle Daniel’s descriptions was able to go back and remember all of the things I loved about being up north. Some of my favourite memories are when I headed out to the trails near Ramsay Lake are, just like Wolf, was among the trees. Also, Wolf’s birthday is June 24th, same as mine! Honestly, there is something really magical when readers can connect with a charcter through similarities to their own lives. Don’t think I didn’t miss the reference to The Goonies, perhaps the greatest film of the 1980s!
Okay so what about readers now, how will they connect to the story. Regardless of the era a story is set there is always something to connect to. The friendship among Penny, Brandi, Ann and Wolf is universal. I appreciated that Danielle Daniel wrote a group of four friends, three is so much more complicated, although this group of friends goes through their fair share of conflict. I appreciated how through kindness and compassion, they were able to solve their conflicts. Readers today will also connect with Wolf’s fierce desire to advocate for the environment and her community. We are seeing more and more young people standing up and speaking out for the environment.
Lastly, this is a really fun and heart warming story. I loved the relative simplicity of the time period. No cell phones and instant communication. The characters actually had to go out and see each other! There is intrigue and mystery, conflict and resolution. Readers will go through so many different emotions as they navigate Danielle Daniel’s story. You will love and then hate and then love again so many different characters throughout. You will be heartbroken and heart mended by the end. Funny that she references The Goonies, as this story had all of the spirit of that film with an equally, if not superior cast of characters.
July 8, 2023
This title is nominated for the 2024 Hackmatack Award in the English fiction category. I cannot say enough good things about this book! As a nature loving girl child of the late 80s/early 90s it felt like traveling back through time. We meet our protagonist Wolf, who is a girl on the precipice of young adulthood. It is the summer before high school, and Wolf is excited to spend lots of time with her best friends at Birchwood - their "special place". Wolf loves being surrounded by nature & exploring her Indigenous heritage. She is especially close with her Grandma Houle, sometimes to the chagrin of her mother. When Wolf and her friends learn that there are plans to cut down the trees and build a new suburb, they start on a mission to document the potential significance of the area, and stumble upon an amazing find. To complicate matters even further, Wolf's mother has a new boyfriend, Roger, who runs the construction company that is building the subdivision!
This coming-of-age story has it all - the uncertainty and occasional discomfort of becoming a teenager, changing friendships, new feelings about boys, and dealing with the loss of a loved one. Combine that with the messages about the importance of being good environmental stewards and honouring the history & heritage of our Indigenous populations and you have a winning combination!
This one might not resonate too much with the younger kids in the club, but I think the sixth graders will really be able to relate. I would recommend it for grade five and up.
This coming-of-age story has it all - the uncertainty and occasional discomfort of becoming a teenager, changing friendships, new feelings about boys, and dealing with the loss of a loved one. Combine that with the messages about the importance of being good environmental stewards and honouring the history & heritage of our Indigenous populations and you have a winning combination!
This one might not resonate too much with the younger kids in the club, but I think the sixth graders will really be able to relate. I would recommend it for grade five and up.
December 21, 2024
4.5 stars
I have previously read Daughters of the Deer by Danielle Daniel, so I was anxious to read this her debut middle grade Forever Birchwood.
Taking place in Sudbury, Ontario 12-year-old Wolf along with three of her best friends spend a summer trying to save their beloved Birchwood from destruction.
Though I started off reading the book, it wasn’t long before I grabbed the audio and finished it in a day. I don’t understand some other reviews that criticize the audio and the narrator, for myself I found it a pleasant listen. The reader did a great job, I was captivated.
Wolf is a strong girl, determined along with her friends. But she also has other things going on in her life, her mother‘s new boyfriend who just happens to work for the construction company set to destroy Birchwood. She can't help wondering if her real estate mother is also somehow involved.
As these girls sneak around trying to thaw the demolition effort they get more than they bargained for in this mining town. I won’t go into what all these obstacles are for fear of spoilers. But suffice to say I think this was a well written coming of age story, that shows determination, the importance of heritage and family along with standing up for something you strongly believe in.
This Canadian reader also loves the setting and hopes the author will continue featuring this great province.
This was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge and my copy of the audiobook was obtained through CloudLibrary
I have previously read Daughters of the Deer by Danielle Daniel, so I was anxious to read this her debut middle grade Forever Birchwood.
Taking place in Sudbury, Ontario 12-year-old Wolf along with three of her best friends spend a summer trying to save their beloved Birchwood from destruction.
Though I started off reading the book, it wasn’t long before I grabbed the audio and finished it in a day. I don’t understand some other reviews that criticize the audio and the narrator, for myself I found it a pleasant listen. The reader did a great job, I was captivated.
Wolf is a strong girl, determined along with her friends. But she also has other things going on in her life, her mother‘s new boyfriend who just happens to work for the construction company set to destroy Birchwood. She can't help wondering if her real estate mother is also somehow involved.
As these girls sneak around trying to thaw the demolition effort they get more than they bargained for in this mining town. I won’t go into what all these obstacles are for fear of spoilers. But suffice to say I think this was a well written coming of age story, that shows determination, the importance of heritage and family along with standing up for something you strongly believe in.
This Canadian reader also loves the setting and hopes the author will continue featuring this great province.
This was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge and my copy of the audiobook was obtained through CloudLibrary
December 27, 2021
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, this in no way changes my opinions and all of the words below are my own.
This was so nice. An easy read, an enjoyable but realistic plot, a good lesson or two learned, and a well written middle-grade aged main character.
I haven't read many middle-grade books I really enjoyed this year because as I get older younger characters get more and more unbearable; everything is obvious 9 years in hindsight! However, Danielle Daniel did an excellent job of writing a book that is aimed at younger readers but enjoyable for all ages! I was particularly relieved to see the aspect of the main characters indigenous background being treated respectfully and not like a wild, fantasy aspect. With the messages this book sends about family and nature I think it will be a great one for parents to read and discuss with their children or a teacher with their students. I zipped through the book quickly and really like the atmosphere the writing built. I'm excited to read more from this author!
Trigger Warnings:
This was so nice. An easy read, an enjoyable but realistic plot, a good lesson or two learned, and a well written middle-grade aged main character.
I haven't read many middle-grade books I really enjoyed this year because as I get older younger characters get more and more unbearable; everything is obvious 9 years in hindsight! However, Danielle Daniel did an excellent job of writing a book that is aimed at younger readers but enjoyable for all ages! I was particularly relieved to see the aspect of the main characters indigenous background being treated respectfully and not like a wild, fantasy aspect. With the messages this book sends about family and nature I think it will be a great one for parents to read and discuss with their children or a teacher with their students. I zipped through the book quickly and really like the atmosphere the writing built. I'm excited to read more from this author!
Trigger Warnings:
August 28, 2023
Forever Birchwood is a sweet historical fiction novel that incorporates environmentalism, coming of age, indigenous teachings, and friendships. Wolf and her friends discover that their special place among the birch trees they've lovingly named Birchwood, is in danger and it is up to them to protect it.
Forever Birchwood is a 2024 MYRCA Sundogs nominee. It would make a decent read aloud for a classroom, with lots of relevant conversation coming from the themes and tidbits woven throughout the novel. (Note: the crushes and one kissing scene are tame, but may be awkward during a classroom read aloud!)
While I can see how it could have good connections, I also didn't love the novel. I found the characters
"young" and the conclusion too quick and tidy. Additionally, I did not particularly enjoy the narrator for the audiobook of Forever Birchwood. She spoke too slowly and breathy.
2-3 stars
Forever Birchwood is a 2024 MYRCA Sundogs nominee. It would make a decent read aloud for a classroom, with lots of relevant conversation coming from the themes and tidbits woven throughout the novel. (Note: the crushes and one kissing scene are tame, but may be awkward during a classroom read aloud!)
While I can see how it could have good connections, I also didn't love the novel. I found the characters
"young" and the conclusion too quick and tidy. Additionally, I did not particularly enjoy the narrator for the audiobook of Forever Birchwood. She spoke too slowly and breathy.
2-3 stars
March 15, 2022
This took a while for me to get in to as it seemed like any other coming-of-age story with boys, and loss of childhood friends to nonsense arguments and moving away.That being said, the romantic scenes were really well written and the rush from that kiss with Hari was really adorable. I really liked the juxtaposition between Wolf's grandmother and her Algonquin traditions and the pains her mother had taken to rid herself of those beliefs to fit in to settler society for a better life for her and her child. I thought Wolf was a bit naive for a 12/13 year old but I know that the shift to high school can hit hard. It also broadens the range where kids would find this relatable.
That librarian though! Ms. Barry is my new idol! I was so happy that she went from this weird, mildly psychic old lady to this amazing person willing to put it all on the line for the town she lived/worked in.
That librarian though! Ms. Barry is my new idol! I was so happy that she went from this weird, mildly psychic old lady to this amazing person willing to put it all on the line for the town she lived/worked in.
October 31, 2022
I went into this a little wary because I wasn't entirely in the mood, but I became more intrigued when I realized when this story is set and when we started going into more detail about the friend group. Though this is set in Canada, it gave me strong NOW & THEN vibes. One of the things I love about these kinds of middle grade books is that some of the situations that would normally be used to create drama in older books are quickly resolved.
It was interesting seeing these young girls on the brink of teenhood finding themselves while also trying to save something they love. I think young readers will appreciate and be able to relate to the changes the girls experience and the challenges they face that comes with growing up.
Also, it was great to see that this story was set in a place so close to home and featured some great Indigenous representation!
Happy reading!
It was interesting seeing these young girls on the brink of teenhood finding themselves while also trying to save something they love. I think young readers will appreciate and be able to relate to the changes the girls experience and the challenges they face that comes with growing up.
Also, it was great to see that this story was set in a place so close to home and featured some great Indigenous representation!
Happy reading!
July 9, 2024
Lovely book, set firmly in the tween years of a group of girls in Sudbury, Ontario in 1987. Loved that the friendships feel authentic and complex, love that the main character's nickname is Wolf and she and her grandmother share a deep connection to spending time outdoors. Love that Wolf and her friends have a hand built clubhouse in a stand of birch trees that becomes the focus of their summer. There is a lot of sneaking out, some light meeting up with boys and exploring the idea of kissing. It's the kind of summer where everything changes, because that is part of growing up. I loved that so much of the heart of this book is about caring for trees, challenging adults to find new ways to be, and learning to connect to indigenous heritage even when that isn't necessarily a strong family tradition. many beautiful relationships in this book. Enjoyed it very much.
March 27, 2022
This is a great option for fans of the Babysitter's Club books - set in Sudbury, ON in a time before cell phones and internet - it focuses on a group of four girls who are finishing their last school year before moving onto high school. Wolf, the primary voice of the novel, is set on exploring her Indigenous history and protecting a nature-filled part of her city that is in danger of being developed by a real estate company.
This is a great read for young girls, as there's some exploration of first crushes, changing friendships, and changes in family dynamics (seperation, arguments, new step-parents). There is also discussion of having diverging opinions from parents/guardians and how to manage those conflicts.
This is a great read for young girls, as there's some exploration of first crushes, changing friendships, and changes in family dynamics (seperation, arguments, new step-parents). There is also discussion of having diverging opinions from parents/guardians and how to manage those conflicts.
November 15, 2022
Forever Birchwood by Danielle Daniel was a great read. It’s a middle-grade read about Wolf and her friends who grow up in a small mining town. They have a secret place in their town, surrounded by Birch trees they love to visit that they’ve called Birchwood.
Wolf had just learned her great-grandfather was a tree-talker, and she’s interested in exploring her Indigenous roots, but her mom doesn’t want anything to do with it. When Wolf and her friends find evidence that a new subdivision will get built exactly where all the beautiful birch trees are, they take action to try and preserve the heritage and hopefully stop the worst from happening.
I loved this book, especially the journey of Wolf’s mother. As a mom myself, I find it easy to lose track of where I came from growing up, but I know that I want to explore that side of life with my kids. I want to fall in love with nature with them and not always look for the next new thing.
Whether you love middle-grade books or maybe you have a child in that age range, I would highly recommend reading this book. It was endearing, and understated, and the call to action to protect nature and wildlife is very effective.
Wolf had just learned her great-grandfather was a tree-talker, and she’s interested in exploring her Indigenous roots, but her mom doesn’t want anything to do with it. When Wolf and her friends find evidence that a new subdivision will get built exactly where all the beautiful birch trees are, they take action to try and preserve the heritage and hopefully stop the worst from happening.
I loved this book, especially the journey of Wolf’s mother. As a mom myself, I find it easy to lose track of where I came from growing up, but I know that I want to explore that side of life with my kids. I want to fall in love with nature with them and not always look for the next new thing.
Whether you love middle-grade books or maybe you have a child in that age range, I would highly recommend reading this book. It was endearing, and understated, and the call to action to protect nature and wildlife is very effective.
October 18, 2023
I always want to start reviews of middle-grade and YA books by noting that, of course, I am not the target audience.
I thought this was a sweet middle grade story. The core themes are: the importance of friendship and being a good friend, environmentalism, family tensions, being a good friend, connection to Indigenous roots, and grief/loss. Also a little bit of young love. So there’s a lot happening. I cared about the kid characters, especially Wolf. The things I didn’t love as much are probably things that most young readers will enjoy - mostly just some things being cheesy or working out too easily. Definitely recommended, especially for 8-11 year olds.
I thought this was a sweet middle grade story. The core themes are: the importance of friendship and being a good friend, environmentalism, family tensions, being a good friend, connection to Indigenous roots, and grief/loss. Also a little bit of young love. So there’s a lot happening. I cared about the kid characters, especially Wolf. The things I didn’t love as much are probably things that most young readers will enjoy - mostly just some things being cheesy or working out too easily. Definitely recommended, especially for 8-11 year olds.
September 22, 2022
I thought this book was amazing.
Having once been a young woman in a small Ontario city, in the times before the digital age, this book made me all kinds of nostalgic. Bike rides, secret meetings with boys, passion for saving the forest from development, all of it.
The characters were well developed, the plot was logical, the Indigenous aspects were well represented and the language of English speaking Canada was well done. I dislike it when an editor or publisher makes a Canadian Authour Americanize their language.
Having once been a young woman in a small Ontario city, in the times before the digital age, this book made me all kinds of nostalgic. Bike rides, secret meetings with boys, passion for saving the forest from development, all of it.
The characters were well developed, the plot was logical, the Indigenous aspects were well represented and the language of English speaking Canada was well done. I dislike it when an editor or publisher makes a Canadian Authour Americanize their language.
March 25, 2023
A middle grade read that explores the themes of family and friendship and the importance of preserving nature and cultural identity. I liked that it was set in my hometown and referenced actual places/businesses/tourist attractions etc. I loved the relationship between Wolf and her grandmother and particularly enjoyed Grandmother's stories and memories (tree talkers, pictographs). All in all, a good read with a great message.
* read for middle grade March 2023 - prompt = Book published in 2022
* read for middle grade March 2023 - prompt = Book published in 2022
May 11, 2022
this book was good. You have to push through the first few chapters, but if you persist it actually gets really good and entertaining. I would probably reccomend it. The only other thing I have to say negativly about this book is that the plot took a while to unfold and dragged on for a while. Other than that it was good.
August 17, 2023
Set in Sudbury, Ontario, this middle years novel follows 13 year old Wolf, a girl whose indigenous grandmother has imparted a love of nature in her. Her favourite place is threatened by development, and it is up to Wolf and her friends to save it. Along the way, they learn about loyalty, family, and friendship. A great read aloud for grades 6 and 7.
March 6, 2022
Forever Birchwood is a beautiful middle grade novel. It filled me with so much hope and magic and took me right back to my favorite days as a child. It’s a heartwarming story that I’ll read again and again and a perfect read to keep by your bedside.
July 9, 2023
This was a great story about a group of kids trying to save their favorite spot in the woods. I love that this takes place in Canada and includes some Indigenous history. Looking forward to reading more of Danielle Daniel's books in the future.
November 23, 2023
It's been a while since I read such a happy ending. It put a smile on my face. The innocence of the characters is only the surface, and there are themes and ideas to explore within this text. There are many possibilities here to use in discussion with students.
February 5, 2022
A light and fluffy feel good book with touches of deeper subjects. Also, quick action and suspense when needed.
February 24, 2022
This was a sweet, heartfelt MG with all the makings of a classic. Beautifully explored themes of change, heritage, friendship, and environmentalism, all told in evocative language. Loved!
September 29, 2022
A great book written from a first nations perspective, which highlights first nations culture, as well as social justice. Great for young readers!
October 14, 2022
Wonderful Book
November 16, 2022
A good story, but highly improbable plot line. Set in the 1980s, which I enjoyed, but feel that a lot of references will go over students’ heads.
March 10, 2023
Fantastic book about family and friendships and not always judging others until you know the full story.
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