Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker, Junyi Wu
Published by Henry Holt and Company on August 20th 2019
ISBN: 1250181429
Pages: 320
Genres: Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

One night, tired of their mother’s not-so-frightening stories, 7 young foxes sneak out of their den to visit the storyteller who will  “scare some white into their tails.” The storyteller weaves a tale about two young foxes, Mia and Uly, whose lives intertwine through constant peril. As each story unfolds and the kits learn about “the yellow,” Mr. Scratch, and a villainous Miss Beatrix Potter with a penchant for taxidermy,  one by one each heads back home, too afraid to hear more. Only one kit sticks around to hear how it all ends.

Lovely (and occasionally troubling) black and white drawings are interspersed throughout this story of sacrifice, survival, family, loss, and ultimately, hope. This book is more disturbing and creepy than it is scary so students looking to truly be scared might want to look elsewhere. Those who are more sensitive, particularly to the plight of animals, may want to skip this one as they might find this story distressing.

Ages 9-12

 

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York