The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest (Newbery Honor Award Winner)

A Newbery Honor Award Book!

A fox and a badger begrudgingly team up to change their destinies in this endearing middle grade novel Featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout, this critically acclaimed novel brings Deadwood Forest to life through both words and art. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Applegate.

? "Heartbreaking, marvelously funny, and generously redemptive." -Kirkus, starred review

Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive--just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.

Clare's quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare's efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.

Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl--the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 09/01/2026
ISBN: 9780316575737
Pages: 336
Size: 7.63h x 5.25w x 0.76d
Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 555214 / Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
Reading Level: 5.3 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 8