Sylvia Doe

“Magical realism at its best.”
—Kwame Alexander
STARRED REVIEW
—Kirkus Reviews
STARRED REVIEW
—Publishers Weekly
“A page-turner that creatively explores resonant themes.”
—Kirkus Reviews

Sylvia Doe doesn't know where she was born or the people she came from. She doesn't even know her real last name. Sylvia has lived at the Highground Home for Children in the mountains of North Carolina for as long as she can remember. Whenever the administrators place her with a foster family in the city, she runs away, back to her horse Kitty Hawk—her best friend—and the other horses in the herd, the only place she feels like she belongs.

When Hurricane Jessamine causes the remote mountain valley where she lives to flood, Sylvia must rescue her beloved horses. But she begins to encounter strange and wondrous things floating down the river. Glittering gemstones and wild animals that don't belong — everything's out of place. Then she spots an unconscious boy floating in the water. As she drags him onto the shore and their adventure together begins, Sylvia wonders who he is and where he came from. And why does she feel such a strong connection to this mysterious boy?

Sylvia

REVIEWS

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“Adventurous and suspenseful, this story pairs environmental science content with a genre-blurring mystery..”

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“Robert Beatty has written a fascinating jaunt through the ecological evolution of Appalachia. At times heartbreaking, Sylvia Doe is a cautionary tale about how ephemeral our way of life, and environment, can really be. Magical realism at its best!”

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"As much as I love Serafina, I love Willa even more!”

"As much as I love Serafina, I love Willa even more!”

“Another wonderful book by Mr. Beatty”

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“This is a fantastic mystery, great for outdoorsy and adventurous kids.”

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“Beatty seamlessly weaves together elements of mystery and magic realism, creating a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.”

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“Field guide–style illustrations of the animals that Sylvia encounters on her journey add a valuable learning component that emphasizes the ecological themes present throughout the book.”

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“Sylvia is a protagonist that shows bravery and vulnerability as she navigates the challenges placed in front of her.”

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“The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from start to finish.”

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“Sensorial descriptions . . . mix with pulse-pounding action to craft a quietly magical adventure about finding where one belongs.”