Willodeen

In this new novel by Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan, Crenshaw), Willodeen is a lonely girl who lives with two older women after her family is killed in a fire.  She remembers her father's love and guidance in navigating the natural world and its wonders.  She especially loves the creatures that the townspeople are trying to eliminate, a stinky loud warthog-like animal called a screecher.  When a touch of magic sends her her own screecher, it leads to a discovery that will save the town's future, but only if the town is willing to let nature take care of itself.  It is a story of courage and conservation.  (FIC APP)