Rewilding

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Joy, 11, must care for her home and brother Ian, while fearing Child Protective Services. A baby bird and the neighbor Ezzie lead Joy to discover “rewilding” for herself and to question her Dad’s views.  This contemporary middle grade novel explores gaslighting, body image, and the healing power of nature with a girl caring for her brother and dodging Child Protective Services while finding solace in secretly restoring the natural ecosystem in an eccentric neighbor's yard.

BISACS: JUV039050, JUV039010, JUV039140    Ages 9-13   5.25" x 7.75"  288 pages

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Release Date: August 5, 2025  
Institutional orders can contact our distributor: Lerner Publisher Services 800-328-4929

Hardcover: 979-8-9911237-09  $19.99 (List)

Multiuser ePub 3-S&L: 978-1-947159-97-6   $33.32 (List)

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Large-Print and Dyslexic Editions Available.

What reviewers are saying:

"A realistic portrayal of a tween doing her best to hold her fractured family together; a poignant must-have for all middle grade collections." -- SLJ School Library Journal

"...This uplifting story tackles domestic troubles with consideration and a whole lot of heart." -- Kirkus

"Rewilding by Lisa Gerlits is heartwarming and emotional, telling the story of a young girl coming to terms with the harsh reality of her family’s struggles. Reflecting her journey is the plight of a baby bird that, after a fall from a nest, becomes Joy’s priority as she works to save it with the help of her eccentric neighbor." -- BookTrib Reviews (Read the full review here)

"As bright and tender as a garden in Spring, REWILDING gently weaves a story that is both personal and global." --Cindy Baldwin, author of Where the Watermelons Grow

"To see young Joy handling the fallout of her parents' divorce is both heart-wrenching and inspiring... all while reveling in a sense of childhood fun and wonder. I love its honesty, its sensitivity and most of all its very real path to peace and acceptance."  --Kengo Kurimoto, award-winning author of Wildful

"A lovely story of friendship, healing, and finding your voice with characters you'll think about long after you finish the last chapter." --Heather Murphy Capps, author of Indigo and Ida  and The Rule of Three

"REWILDING is a sweet story that tears your heart apart, then puts it back together again--stronger than before. ...an inspiring and heartfelt read, reminding us of the point of everything." --Sonja Thomas, author of Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence and Olive Blackwood Takes Action!

"A tender story about family, healing, and the power of rediscovering childhood...an honest conversation about family, love, and growing up." --Independent Book Review Read full review here.
 

"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." --Literary Titan

NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

"Highly recommended for young readers who are experiencing change or seeking comfort. A heartfelt and touching story for young readers, and a reminder that even in difficult times, beauty can be found in the most unexpected places." --Readers' Choice

Readers' Choice
Silver Medal Best Children’s Book 8-12

2025 American Bookfest: Nonfiction Award Winner