• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

When Cameron rescues a baby abandoned in the woods, everyone says it is a miracle.

A stroke of luck that he just happened to be there, riding his bike along that trail, and heard the baby's cry. But Cameron has a secret: It wasn't just luck. He was there because his twin sister Katie begged him to go. Did Katie know about the baby? Is she covering for someone? At first Cameron just wants some answers but once he knows the truth he has to decide what to do with it.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! Available in Spanish as En el bosque.

Robin Stevenson is the award-winning author of more than 25 books for kids and teens, including the board book Pride Colors, the picture book Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story and the nonfiction books Kid Activists and Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle. The first edition of her nonfiction book Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community (2016) won a Stonewall Honor and was shortlisted for numerous other awards. Robin lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she attends Pride celebrations with her family every year, but always leaves her dog safely at home.

Robin Stevenson's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

"The plot moves along fairly quickly, and the characters are well-developed, especially Cameron. I could hear his voice and was with him every step of the way.The ending of the novel is particularly moving and not, perhaps, what one might expect. The issue of teen pregnancy is dealt with frankly, but without judgement, and with compassion."

Canadian Teacher Magazine

"While packing in lots of facts about teenage pregnancy, this fast read is more than a problem novel. Cameron's seething jealousy of his gifted twin, her failure, and his growing bond with his sister—and with his niece—will hold readers."

Booklist

"Stevenson brings this grim reality to life as she describes Cameron's struggle to face the truth about his sister. Only 124 pages long, In the Woods takes readers quickly into the emotionally charged situation, and keeps them on the edge of their seats right to the end."

TeensReadToo.com

"The easily accessible story presents some compelling and complicated issues surrounding teenage pregnancy."

The Horn Book Guide

"Recommended where hi/lo readers are needed in high schools."

Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee

"A fast-paced and engrossing read. Stevenson deals with mature issues, including sexual abuse and teen pregnancy, in an accessible fashion by employing a simple writing style that is ideal for an audience with still-developing reading skills. The plot of the story moves forward swiftly, progressing primarily through the use of dialogue that has a natural quality. In the Woods is an interesting exploration of sibling relationships and family responsibility that will appeal to both genders...Recommended. "

CM Magazine

"Good for students who are interested in reading about topics that are serious however need a book that has a more accessible reading level."

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