by Kathi Appelt
First published 2016
Jules and Sylvie are sisters closer than twins, bonded by everything except birth year. Sylvie runs faster than anyone, a gift that becomes her curse on a snowy morning before school. She races to the forbidden river to throw a wish rock and disappears without a trace. Everyone believes Sylvie died like their mother did, but Jules won't accept this truth. Meanwhile, a shadow fox is born between the spirit and animal worlds. This young fox senses terrible danger but can't understand what threatens her realm. She shares Sylvie's supernatural speed and growing awareness that something has gone catastrophically wrong. When Jules decides to throw one final wish rock for her lost sister, the boundary between human and shadow worlds shatters. The story alternates between Jules's desperate hope and the fox's mystical perspective as both navigate grief, family bonds, and the collision of two realities.
Genres: fantasy, magical-realism, young-adult, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, lyrical, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, grief, supernatural-abilities
Setting: River
Audio CD · Simon & Schuster Audio
Content warnings: death