cover image The Royal Woods

The Royal Woods

Matt Duggan. Key Porter Books, $12.95 (218pp) ISBN 978-1-55263-826-2

Canadian author Duggan's debut finds a sister and brother embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Following the death of Sydney and Tuck's mother, their father is wracked with depression. Believing their father would be happier without them, the siblings decide to run away to their Uncle Frank and Aunt Lily's farm, but discover that the farm isn't there. In its place is The Royal Woods, a large housing development with a shopping mall. Sydney is determined not to return home until she's found her relatives. As they deal with their homeless state and dwindling funds, sister and brother meet some kind and often colorful adults who lend help. With its heartwarming finale and fairy-tale-like narration, this may play best to an audience younger than that suggested by the publisher. Ages 10-14.