In this stunning YA adventure, debut author Askel Aden weaves a story of family schism and reconciliation that effortlessly enriches the complex dynamics of mother...

In this stunning YA adventure, debut author Askel Aden weaves a story of family schism and reconciliation that effortlessly enriches the complex dynamics of mother and child.

Can this road trip get any worse?
Yes, Mom (Audrey) wanted to spend time with Misha. And yes, she's never around and they don't even live together, so this is a rare opportunity. But Audrey still thinks of Misha as her daughter, despite Misha being non-binary and trying to talk to her openly about it. Misha even tries to write how they feel in a letter, but that isn't going well either.

Then a wrong turn down a forest road leads the mother-child duo straight into the Realm of Spirits! Suddenly in peril and without a clue how to return to their world, Misha and Audrey will have to work together to find their way back home. But can they find a way back to each other?

Author: Askel Aden
Publisher: First Second
Published: 06/10/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.70lbs
Size: 8.60h x 6.10w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781250866226
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/31/2025
School Library Journal 05/01/2025 pg. 136
Booklist 06/01/2025 pg. 64

About the Author
Askel Aden is a queer cartoonist and bog creature based in Denmark. He has been making comics since he knew what comics were; which eventually led to a BA in Graphic Storytelling. When he isn't working on a million stories all at once, he might be spotted in the wilderness looking at mushrooms or in the kitchen baking for his friends.