Wildlife

During a semester in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Sib expects the tough outdoor education program and the horrors of dorm life, but friendship drama and love that gets complicated? That will take some navigating.

New girl Lou has zero interest in fitting in, or joining in. Still reeling from a loss that occurred almost a year ago, she just wants to be left alone. But as she witnesses a betrayal unfolding around Sib and her best friend Holly, Lou can’t help but be drawn back into the land of the living.

Wildlife is published in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Germany, and will be out in Brazil and Hungary in 2015.

‘A beautifully crafted novel with achingly real characters that I couldn’t get out of my head.’ Melina Marchetta, The Piper’s Son

‘Sharp, true and achingly honest, Wildlife totally gave me the feels. I got lost in this smart and beautiful book.’ Siobhan Vivian, The List

Reviews

‘Sib’s and Lou’s alternating narratives intimately express their respective losses of innocence and their tenuous attempts to chart new territories in rugged, unfamiliar surroundings. Their voices reverberate with honesty, vulnerability, and deep emotions and will leave a lasting impression on readers.’

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

‘With exceptional candor, honesty, and nuance, Wood tells a heartening and compelling story of the importance of agency, self-confidence, and true friendship.’

Booklist (starred review)

‘…in fact, Lou and Sib relate losing their virginity with such refreshing candor that Wildlife validates the sexuality and sexual needs of girls everywhere.’

School Library Journal (starred review)

‘The hot-house setting with few modern distractions to relieve it brings relationship issues – love, sex, friendship – to the fore and Wood explores them with characteristic empathy, intelligence and irony.’

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