Eleven year old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her familyâs farm. But what will happen when that adventure finds her?
Long ago, faeries were banished from the land after a legendary battle. So long ago that many wonder if faeries really exist or if the battle was just a tall tale. But one mysterious night, Macyâs mother is attacked, and unusual things start happening. Missing items, changing moods, and most strange of all, the familyâs sheep, Slip, takes an unnerving interest in Macy.
Her mother is suddenly determined to get rid of the sheep, and Macy suspects that the reason may be sinister. When Macy meets a boy her age, the aloof and sarcastic Jay, they embark on a journey to discover the truth and save her mother. In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you wonât find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, youâll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Ordele from the magical forces that threaten it.
Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.
Eleven year old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her familyâs farm. But what will happen when that adventure finds her?
Long ago, faeries were banished from the land after a legendary battle. So long ago that many wonder if faeries really exist or if the battle was just a tall tale. But one mysterious night, Macyâs mother is attacked, and unusual things start happening. Missing items, changing moods, and most strange of all, the familyâs sheep, Slip, takes an unnerving interest in Macy.
Her mother is suddenly determined to get rid of the sheep, and Macy suspects that the reason may be sinister. When Macy meets a boy her age, the aloof and sarcastic Jay, they embark on a journey to discover the truth and save her mother. In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you wonât find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, youâll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Ordele from the magical forces that threaten it.
Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.
The sun was just starting to set on the rolling hills of the Jensen property. Laurel Jensen climbed the nearest hill, the wind whipping at her graying curls. She looked all around, searching her surroundings.
Where did that sheep run off too? she thought with frustration. She looked back towards the pen, where she could see the rest of the flock grazing. With a sigh, she turned from them and continued on in search of the silly creature.
âHow many times have I told Macy to keep the pasture gate closed?â she muttered, gathering up her skirts as she began to climb a particularly steep hill. Though her boots were sturdy and built for the rough terrain, Laurel much preferred flat ground to these hills. Each step left her more winded than the last.
All at once, she slipped and landed hard on her hip. In a panic, she reached into her pocket on that same side and pulled out a clay, beaded necklace that her daughter had given her earlier that morning. She breathed a sigh of relief to see it unharmed.
âHappy birthday, Ma!â Macy had said. Her brown curly locks framed her face, making her look much older than her eleven years. âI made it just for you.â
Laurel smiled as she remembered, knowing these moments would become scarce in the next year or two. She put the necklace around her neck and then flinched as she reached down to rub her bruised hip. She exhaled and picked herself up to continue up the hill. At the top, she saw a treeline not far ahead. Feeling hopeful, she began her descent in that direction.
It wasnât long before the sun disappeared behind a hill, leaving Laurel to wander in darkness. Itâs no use, she thought, Iâm not going to find him tonight. Iâd best be getting back home. Maybe Macy can help me search in the morning.
She turned around searching for the lamplights that lined the Jensen farm. She could barely make them out in the distance. Steeling herself for the long walk back, she gathered her skirts once again.
SNAP! The sound of a twig snapping nearby alerted her that she may not be alone.
It was probably just an animal, Laurel told herself. The wind stopped suddenlyâas if holding its breath too.
SNAP!
âHello?â she called out. She whirled around frantically, her eyes searching for the source of the sound. âIs anyone there?â
A frail voice answered her, âIâm sorry, my dear. I didnât mean to scare you.â An old woman peeked her head around the tree trunk. Upon seeing Laurel, the womanâs face relaxed a little, and she slowly hobbled over. âThere are wolves in these woods, and I fear I donât stand a chance if I run into one. Best I can do is hide and cross my fingers.â
Laurel squinted in the dark, trying to get a good look at her. Her clothes were worn, and her skin was paler than anyone from around these parts. âAre you traveling to Grimsby? You donât look like you are from around here,â Laurel replied, eyeing the stranger.
âOh, yes,â the old woman sighed. âThere was a terrible fire, and I lost my home. I am going to my sisterâs to stay with her for a while. If I can make it there.â
âIâm sorry to hear that,â Laurel smiled at the woman, âIf youâd like to rest for the night, you are welcome to stay with my family. We have a farm just outside of town.â Though they didnât have much, Laurel knew she would be able to spare some bread and find her some blankets for the night. She couldnât bear the thought of leaving the woman alone in the dark wood.
âI wouldnât want to impose.â
âNonsense, weâd love to have you.â
The old womanâs shoulders visibly relaxed, âOh, thank you! Thank you!â she cried. âYou can call me Dores.â
âWell, Dores, I was just heading home anyway. It seems my daughter left the pasture gate open again, and a sheep got out. I was hoping to find him before dark, but it seems I will have to keep searching in the morning.â
âI canât thank you enough dear,â the old woman said, shivering.
Laurel was used to the crisp, cool night air. Without a word, she removed her shawl and offered it to Dores.
All at once, Laurel was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She inhaled sharply and looked frantically about, trying to place the source of the sudden sensation, but it was too late. There was a flash, and both women let out a shriek.
Eleven-year-old Macy Jensen lives on a farm with her parents outside the small town of Grimsby. Though they lack the comforts of indoor plumbing, they are generally happy tending their animals and enjoying books from the nearby library. One day, Macy notices something unusual in her mother, Laurel. With the help of her new friend Jay, Macy investigates the local lore of the Fae and discovers secrets long forgotten in her attempt to set her world back to rights.
This middle grade book reads like a short story, drawing readers in from the first pages. A strong initial chapter sets the mood, driving readers to learn both what will happen next and how each piece relates to the other. Engaging writing helps the plot along, and although the story is short enough that only a limited amount of detail can be given, the narrative is nonetheless complete in its execution.
Macy is a prolific reader and has little connection to others her age. When she meets Jay, she is surprised to discover that he has never learned to read; she quickly jumps at the opportunity to introduce him to the world she loves so much. The empathy Macy displays toward Jay is heartwarming and reminds young readers to look deeper than their initial opinion of a new friend. Friendships are complex, but when companions join their individual strengths together, great achievements are possible.
A blend of folklore and an older version of humanity reinforce the power magic once held in the minds of humans. While they may not be as culturally pervasive as they once were, magic and folklore still hold a special place in the hearts of people around the world. Stories like this are fun in the present while simultaneously reminding humans of the tales that make up the past.
This suspenseful story of friendship and magic is accessible to both reluctant and confident middle grade readers. Its clear plot and manageable length make it an excellent diversion from real life, and it is a delightful addition to libraries for children.