Raven Winter by Susanna Bailey - Emotional Middle Grade Fiction - Ages 8-12 - Paperback

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781405299961
Publisher: Farshore
Age Range: 8-12 years

Overview:
Raven Winter is a beautifully told middle-grade novel from Susanna Bailey, the acclaimed author of Snow Foal and Otters' Moon. Set against the wintry beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, it follows young Billie as she forms an extraordinary bond with an injured raven. A tender story of friendship, family and hope, it's perfect for readers aged 8-12 who love emotionally rich animal stories in the tradition of Michael Morpurgo and Gill Lewis.

About the Book:
Ever since Billie's kind, nature-loving dad went to prison, her world has lost its colour. Now her mum's new boyfriend has moved in, and home is filled with tense, sharp-glass silences. Billie has never felt more alone — until the day she discovers an injured young raven hidden away on the moors. Determined not to leave it to die, she secretly nurses the bird back to health, and in doing so finds an unlikely companion who helps her navigate grief, fear and isolation. As her friendship with the raven deepens, Billie also uncovers a letter that might bring her one step closer to reuniting with her father. Set against the raw, atmospheric backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales in deep winter, the novel weaves together themes of loss, resilience and the healing power of nature and animal companionship. Susanna Bailey, drawing on her background in social work, brings authentic emotional depth to Billie's story, exploring difficult family circumstances with sensitivity and hope rather than despair. The prose is atmospheric and sensory, immersing readers in the cold beauty of the Dales while keeping Billie's inner world firmly at the story's heart. It rewards quiet, thoughtful reading, encouraging empathy for people and animals alike, and offering young readers a gentle way into conversations about difficult family situations. Fans of Bailey's earlier novels will find this an absorbing, moving addition to her body of work.

Key Benefits:

• A moving animal-and-child friendship story that builds empathy and emotional resilience.
• Explores difficult family themes — a parent's imprisonment, a new step-parent figure — with sensitivity, suitable for ages 8-12.
• Atmospheric Yorkshire Dales winter setting brings nature vividly to life.
• From a bestselling author praised for authentic, emotionally intelligent storytelling.
• A satisfying, hopeful ending makes it a comforting read for sensitive young readers.
• Great for independent reading, class novel studies, or as a thoughtful gift.

About the Author:
Susanna Bailey divides her time between writing and lecturing in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, where she studied for her MA in Writing for Young People under tutor David Almond. Her background in social work informs the emotional authenticity of her fiction. Her debut, Snow Foal, was followed by Otters' Moon and now Raven Winter, each exploring the healing bond between vulnerable children and animals.

Why You'll Love This Book:
A quietly powerful story of hope, friendship and resilience, Raven Winter combines a gripping wildlife rescue with genuine emotional depth — ideal for young readers who love animal stories with real heart.

Please Note: Item will be dispatched with the UK ISBN and UK edition cover as shown in the listing images.