Strange Creatures by Phoebe North
Published by Balzer + Bray on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 0062841157
Pages: 544
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads

Phoebe North’s “Strange Creatures” is dark, realistic fiction intertwined with bits of fantasy that centers around the impact of all too real trauma in a modern day family. Jamie and Annie are siblings born exactly a year apart, inseparable when they are young, creating their own fantasy world called Gumlea. Jamie is clearly the golden child in the family, Annie seems to be the perpetual sidekick. As they reach middle school age, Jamie draws further and further away from Annie, under pressure from his father to engage in more “normal” teen boy activities. He copes by making new friends, self medicating and becoming involved with a girl, Vidya, although his struggle with his sexuality is alluded to early on. Jamie disappears without a trace, and the book focuses on the aftermath in the years following, including the impact on not only Annie (who believes he is somehow still alive in Gumlea) but Vidya and his parents as well.

This story is told from the alternating perspective of Jamie, Annie and Vidya. In addition, the book’s narration switches between real life and the fantasy world of Gumlea. The majority of the characters in the book present as white, with the exception of Vidya, and all of the pov characters are LGBTQ.

This book is unnecessarily long, and the transition between the fantasy narrative and realistic is often confusing. This is marketed as YA, with several reviews mentioning a comparison to “Bridge to Terabithia” and I’ve seen the recommendations for ages 14-18, but I’d say this novel is better served in the adult section. 

Would not recommend even as a secondary selection.

Lee Remick, York Middle School, York