August 5, 2025 by Scholastic Press
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Skye and her younger brother Leo are spending the summer with her aunt and uncle in Massachusetts since their father is deployed and their mother died years ago. She misses being at home in Oklahoma, but enjoys working at the family diner, hanging out with her much older cousin Braeden, and learning more about her Cherokee culture. She is working on a summer science project, and while she is collecting specimens from the Grandmother Tree in the nearby forest (an activity for which she has gotten permission from the park system), she finds an injured fox kit. Dr. Reed, the local veterinarian, treats the animal, and keeps it while it recuperates. Ivy's mother Dr. B., also a veterinarian, has moved her from Saskachewan because she is marrying Dr. Reed. Ivy isn't happy about this, but bonds with Skye over their shared Native heritage, as Ivy is Nokoda, with ties to Cree culture. Skye and Ivy go back to the tree to try to gather clues on the identity of the poacher who is targeting foxes in the area. They find clues, including a business card for a local creepy gift shop, but are warned away from the area by Warden Trombley, who is Braeden's boss. The girls decide to walk across town to interview the owner of the gift shop, and find that she sells animal pelts, but claims they are all ethically sourced. The girls cross the park on their way home and get caught in the rain. They find a suspicious cabin with taxidermy supplies, but have to be rescued by Braeden. They are groundf, but don't give up their investigation. Warden Trombley seems very suspicious, but there are other suspects in the small town. Will Skye and Ivy be able to figure out who is poaching foxes?
Strengths: A tiny baby fox and a family diner where you can eat all the pancakes you want? Yes, please! I'm a huge fan of books where children get to spend summers somewhere other than their own home, and including a father in the military was a nice touch. When they can also settle into their new surroundings fairly happily and make new friends, it's even better. Skye has the advantage of having spent time with her aunt and uncle before, so is familiar with the town. Ivy is less thrilled with her move from Canada, but happily helps Skye with her mystery. The details of Skye's science project are interesting, and the mystery is well developed. The cover of this is absolutely adorable, so order a handful of extras of this paperback title if you are hosting a Scholastic book fair.
Weaknesses: The girls were very thorough in their investigations, but it slowed the story down. The Native folktales were interesting, but also made the book a bit longer and didn't forward the plot.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed this author's Hedge Over Heels or other books about helping animals like Liu's Near and Deer, Lord's Because of the Rabbit, or Smith's The Wildes.
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