A Game of Fox and Squirrels

Certain books leave you breathless and joyful. They embody beautiful truth and bring healing in the midst of darkness. I especially love when books of this sort are cleverly told using elements of fantasy. A Game of Fox and Squirrels is just such a novel. Using a fairy tale-like premise to explore relevant issues, Jenn Reese has created a masterpiece.
Samantha Littlefield and her sister Caitlin have been sent from their home in Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon to stay with their two aunts whom they have never met. The abrupt move has left Sam feeling lost and bitterly homesick. She will do anything to return to her parents. Sam is a loner and often dreams of being a hero like the ones she encounters in her beloved books. When her Aunt Vicky gifts her with an unusual card game, strange events begin to unfold. Ashander, the charming fox from the game, appears in Sams room and offers to help her fulfill her hearts desire. She must pass some tests in order to find the Golden Acorn, an object of immense power that will grant any wish. Sam decides to follow Ashanders instructions in order that she might find a way to return home. What happens when each test becomes progressively darker? And, is Sams true hearts desire what she really needs?
Reese masterfully balances light and darkness in this suspenseful and beautiful tale. Each character is vivid and complex, and I loved how Sams inner thoughts and desires echo the card game. Ashander is a truly terrifying but compelling antagonist, and his squirrel attendants are whimsical and complex. Birch was my favorite squirrel.
The exploration of child abuse is done in a tasteful way as Reese chose to explore the aftermath of the abuse instead of making young readers experience the actual events. The card game is a perfect mirror of events, so suspense is built as readers try to discover the reason why Sam and Caitlin have had to come live with their aunts. Vicky and Hannah are wonderful characters, and I loved how the women helped each other. Vickys vulnerability was heart wrenchingly portrayed, and her love and kindness was palpable. I also loved how Reese made Caitlin, Sams older sister, play such a pivotal role. Both girls were so endearing and wonderful, and I wanted to reach through the book and give them hugs.
A Game of Fox and Squirrels is a timeless fantasy that explores relevant issues. I hope that the book receives recognition as it truly deserves to become a literary classic. The book also needs to have an audio edition. A story of finding out what truly makes a home, and a tale of sacrifice and heroism, Jenn Reeses A Game of Fox and Squirrels is thoroughly recommended! Happy reading, and God bless you all.

I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book. It opens with two girls, 11-year-old Sam and her elder sister Caitlin, being driven to the home of an aunt they don’t know, in Oregon. Something went wrong in their home in Los Angeles. The forested home they arrive in has kind but confused aunts who try to make them confortable. Sam is eager to return home; Caitlin is not. Caitlin understands more clearly what went wrong – her father is an abusive parent, and broke Caitlin’s arm.
Aunt Vicky gifts Sam “The Game of Fox & Squirrels” – a card game with a dangerous and charming villain, the fox. And then – the fox comes alive and promises Sam a way to go home if she appeases him.

The story is beautifully done. The magic parallels Sam’s gradual understanding of the situation, and her coming to terms with her life. It’s very readable, and all the characters are in some way sympathetic – even the hens (who are not, apparently, magical, but still attractive). The setting is wonderful – a cottage in the woods, with the two aunts, a neighbor and co-worker, and his son for company. Even the abusive parents, who never actually show up on the page, are both attractive and scary in Sam’s memory.

This gorgeous story is a contemporary fantasy, in which the fantastical elements allow the reader to explore and come to terms with heartbreaking emotional realities. Featuring a magical card game, a sly talking fox, and a brave girl learning the true meaning of home, this is a perfect modern fairy tale for anyone seeking a light to guide them through dark forests of their own.

My daughter received this book Christmas morning and finished it by lunchtime. She couldnt put it down she was intrigued and clearly engaged. 🙂

This tender, lovely middle grade story captures a tough subject in an effective, accessible way. It felt like a gift, and gets my highest recommendation.

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