WILDOAK by C.C. Harrington

 

WILDOAK by C.C. Harrington is going on my best books of all-time list. It is perfect for animal and nature lovers, those who feel picked on because they are different, and anyone looking for a heartwarming story.

Maggie stutters. She avoids talking by any means possible. This has resulted in the constant need to switch schools and total misunderstanding by her father. When she is asked to leave her most recent school, her father threatens to send her to Granville for special treatment, but Maggie has heard horror stories about what happens at this special school. At her mother's suggestion, it is decided that Maggie will go to stay with her grandfather for two weeks. If her stutter doesn't improve, it's off to Granville for treatment.

Grandfather Fred lives in Wildoak Forest. Maggie visited once when she was just a toddler, but she doesn't remember much at all. The hope is that the fresh air and natural surroundings will help her overcome her disability. Fred couldn't care less about Maggie's stutter. He is just thrilled to have her company, helps her settle in, and encourages her to explore and enjoy Wildoak.

On one of Maggie's first treks into the forest she comes across a large cat caught in a trap. She is able to set it free and later returns to treat its wounds. Doing some research, she discovers that the animal is probably a snow leopard. Fred tells her that's impossible because there aren't any snow leopards in Cornwall. Despite his doubts and negativity, Maggie befriends the animal and vows to protect and defend it.

Author C.C. Harrington tells the story of Maggie and Rumpus the snow leopard in alternating voices that will capture readers' hearts immediately. There's plenty of adventure as well as lessons to learn about accepting people (and animals) for what they are, as they are.