"This lighthearted but impressive adventure pairs an endearing young hero with irresistible creatures." - Kirkus Reviews A fast-paced chapter book for middle grade readers who love animals, fantasy, and nature, this story inspires teen and preteen readers to find their voice and stand up for what is right. Josephine Miller’s goals for eighth grade are the same as every year: stay quiet, stay nice, and stay out of the way. Public speaking, breaking and entering, and befriending a squirrel were never part of the plan. But the animals of her town’s last remaining forest need help—and Joey isn’t about to let them down. Join her as she unravels the mystery behind a pair of land developers’ nefarious plans, navigates family drama, and learns along the way that building self-confidence is easier with a little nudge from a friend—human, feathered, or furred. Magical, funny, and heartfelt, Feathers, Fur, and Freaked Out is a page-turning chapter book for kids ages 9+. It’s an environmental fiction book for girls and boys who care about the natural world and all its creatures. "A teen girl tries to save her small town's forest using her newfound ability to talk to animals in McClellan's middle-grade novel. Joey Miller isn't especially thrilled about her first day of eighth grade; her school days consist of avoiding others' attention as best she can. One day, the people of Somersville get a dash of excitement when, at a town meeting, wealthy twin land developers announce a new one-stop shopping center. They need the town's approval, of course, as the project involves bulldozing local Martin Forest. Around the same time, Joey thinks she's going insane when she clearly understands what a squirrel and a crow are saying. As it turns out, Nature has "chosen" Joey to help the forest animals. Since that means interacting with townspeople (and dreaded public speaking), she turns to her easygoing guy friend, Teddy. But what can these teens do? The new store promises convenience and primo coffee. Joey and Teddy must demonstrate to everyone the immeasurable cost of losing Somersville's natural habitat. McClellan's adolescent protagonist is sympathetic and instantly likable. She's a wonderful big sister to toddler Sam, despite her parents focusing all their energy on her brother and largely ignoring her. The upbeat story highlights Joey's friendship with the fiercely loyal Teddy and her new animal pals, who provide some comic relief and a healthy dose of sassiness. Conversations between Joey and the forest creatures feel so organic that it's easy to forget that they're talking animals. The twins' villainy is exaggerated to great effect; both definitely have personality, even if they're appalling. The author's pithy prose fuels the narrative's unwavering pace, saving more lyrical turns for the lovable nonhuman cast: "Songbirds and more crows perched on branches ringing the meadow, along with a pair of hawks, keen eyes burning from above hooked beaks." This lighthearted but impressive adventure pairs an endearing young hero with irresistible creatures." - Kirkus Reviews