"Forest Secrets" by Laurie Woodward Review!

As an educator, I am continuously exposed to children's and young adult books. I won't lie...I basically do not read outside of the teen/YA genre anymore! I believe it's the magic, imagination, and letting go of the need to have everything be real and logical that draws me in. Laurie Woodward has done an excellent job of creating this environment for belief, even in the mind of an adult, in "Forest Secrets". I love the aspects of fantasy in this book (tree people) but what really makes it are the very real emotions that I've experienced myself (not believing in myself, parental separation). The fact that there's a conflict to overcome through finding courage within (it's hard not to spoil!!! I could say so much!!!) And the message of taking care of our earth is fantastic for young readers. Overall, I'm very pleased with this book. I feel like it's justature enough to feel like the young reader isn't being "talked down"on but is also appropiate. I received a sample copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not promise the seller any certain feedback or star rating. I was not compensated for my review and I do not have a relationship with the seller.