An earthquake. A mystical realm. A sharp-tongued alien named Za.

When twelve-year-old Katie is hurled into another world by an earthquake, she finds herself on an unexpected quest alongside Za — and a cast of characters unlike anything she’s encountered before: a shape-shifting tree spirit, a playful water god, and radiant nature beings who know more about belonging than she ever expected to find.

A richly imagined fantasy rooted in the deep connections between all living things. For readers ages 8–12 who love adventure, magic, and stories that leave them thinking.

Awards & recognition

• Gold Nautilus Award — Middle Grade Fiction
• Mom’s Choice Gold Award — Family Friendly Media
• Independent Press Award — Middle Grade Winner
• IAN Book of the Year — Outstanding YA/Teen Category
• Readers’ Favorite Gold Award
• Moonbeam Silver Award
• Readers’ Choice Silver — Best Children’s Books 8–12
• Green Earth Book Award — Long List YA
• CIBA Gertrude Warner Award — Finalist
• The Wishing Shelf — Finalist
• Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award — Long List YA

Ellen Dee Davidson
Softcover: 978-1-961905-28-3 | $12.95
E-book: 978-1-961905-27-6 | $2.99
September 2024 | 196 pages | Age: 8-12 years

Wholesale inquiries from retailers and schools are welcome via our Contact page. Schools receive a 10% discount on all purchases. 12 Willows titles are also available through all major bookseller platforms.

How to use Wind with young readers

This book works well beyond the page. A few ways to extend the experience:

World-building and fantasy writing — Wind creates a vivid secondary world with its own rules, creatures, and ecology. Use it as a model for young writers building their own imagined worlds — what makes a place feel real, even when it’s fantastical?

Nature and ecology through fantasy — The nature spirits, ecosystems, and creatures in the book are grounded in real ecological thinking. Invite readers to identify the real-world parallels — what does the water god represent? What ecosystems does the tree spirit embody?

Belonging and self-acceptance — Katie’s journey is as much internal as external. Use the story to open conversations about fitting in, finding your place, and what it means to belong somewhere — themes that resonate deeply with middle-grade readers.

Comparative mythology — The nature devas and spirit beings in the book draw on traditions found across many cultures. A good starting point for exploring how different civilizations have understood and personified the natural world.

In the media

katys_book_shelf – review – September 11, 2024

Archangel Ancient Tree Archive – “The Power of Nature and Community:
AATA’s Special Connection with ‘The Miracle Forest'” – October 24, 2024

Natural Awakenings Chicago – “Nature Immersion: The Healing Power of Wilderness”
by Ellen Dee Davidson – March 31, 2025

Spirit of Change – “Angel Trees” by Ellen Dee Davidson – April 14, 2025

Evolution Radio Show – Gwilda Wiyaka – “Ellen Dee Davidson –
Healing Through Forest Bathing” – April 23, 2025