The woods are dark, deep, and full of monsters—and it’s up to a young cryptozoologist to protect them.
Oddity Woods, by Nashville-based author and illustrator Kay Davault, is a compelling paranormal mystery perfect for middle-grade readers. The story follows thirteen-year-old Marietta, a determined aspiring detective whose life is upended when her father vanishes without a trace. Armed with only a mysterious letter and a peculiar magnifying glass that can detect lies, she is drawn to the strange town of Perdita and the eerie woods nearby—a place rumored to swallow people whole. Once inside, Marietta discovers a hidden world teeming with ghosts, monsters, and a spectral train. She is joined by Wyatt, a boy with his own secrets, as together they explore this new reality. They have their work cu out to find her father before the woods claim him forever.
This graphic novel’s primary strength is in its visual storytelling, making it a great choice for reluctant readers, English learners, and students who struggle with decoding. Davault’s vibrant, full-color panels and expressive chibi-style characters carry a significant portion of the narrative weight, allowing students to grasp plot developments and character emotions: a student struggling with subtext can easily track mood shifts through the art, reducing the challenge and building comprehension confidence. The language is intentionally accessible; dialogue is presented in simple, direct sentences with very few confusing idiomatic expressions. While the story introduces unique vocabulary, the illustrations provide immediate context, reinforcing meaning without interrupting the reading flow. The high-interest mystery, full of spooky atmosphere and suspense, provides a hook for students who crave complex plots but require a more supportive format, making Oddity Woods a fantastic bridge to a lifelong love of reading.
