Fox Winter

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

Things just couldn’t get any worse for Anna. Her beloved Jack Russell
terrier has been killed in a car accident that also seriously injured
the town’s star hockey player. Along with her grief, Anna blames
herself for causing the crash that killed Striker and injured Colin.

Her classmates shut her out. Even her one good friend, Charlie, seems
to be avoiding her. So when her teacher assigns projects for the Science
Fair, Anna is on her own. Life seems bleak.

A backyard encounter with an injured, starving fox is the inspiration
for Anna’s science project: a Jane Goodall–type fox study. Caring
for the fox and armed with notebook and camera, Anna observes and
records his progress. As the weeks and months go by, both the fox and
Anna begin to heal and grow strong.

Author Margaret Thompson has not attempted to gloss over unpleasant
details such as Striker’s death or how cruel children can be to one
another. She has written a realistic, richly detailed story. The
“happily ever after” ending will be particularly satisfying to young
readers.

Fox Winter will appeal to students in late primary through junior
grades, though some may find the rather small print off-putting.
Recommended.