Wild Things

Wild Things by Clay Carmichael (Honesdale, PA: Front Street, 2009).

Fiercely independent Zoe trusts no one, and with good reason. Largely neglected by her mentally ill mother, Zoe has grown up for eleven years without much guidance, other than that provided by her mother's lackluster bunch of boyfriends. Then, when her mother dies, Zoe ends up with an uncle she's never heard of, the half-brother of a dead father she never knew. Henry Royster may be a famous cardiologist and metal sculptor, but he's a match for Zoe in terms of stubborn independence. Zoe resists connections at first, except with the largely feral cat that lives on Henry's property in rural North Carolina. Exploring the land, she happens upon an abandoned cabin that holds a secret. No spoilers here, but this is a great read about finding family and love in unexpected ways and places. Recommended for ages 8-12.