Epic Kids Book Club Selection: THE WILD ONES
By Avery Finley
AUTHOR: Nafiza Azad
GENRE: Young Adult Fantasy
AGES: 12+
SYNOPSIS:
Meet the Wild Ones: girls who have been hurt, abandoned, and betrayed all their lives. It begins with Paheli, who was once betrayed by her mother and sold to a man in exchange for a favor. When Paheli escapes, she runs headlong into a boy with stars in his eyes. This boy, as battered as she is, tosses Paheli a box of stars before disappearing. With the stars, Paheli gains access to the Between, a place of pure magic and mystery. Now, Paheli collects girls like herself and these Wild Ones use their magic to travel the world, helping the hopeless and saving others from the fates they suffered. Then Paheli and the Wild Ones learn that the boy who gave them the stars is in danger. He’s on the run from powerful forces within the world of magic. But if Taraana is no longer safe and free, neither are the Wild Ones.
RATING: (1-5 stars) 5 stars
QUOTE:
“Why are we never enough as we are?”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS:
The found family aspect was my favorite thing about The Wild Ones. Seeing a strong group of girls build each other up was refreshing and the sort of representation needed in young adult literature.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS:
I adored all the characters but Paheli is definitely my favorite! She is a wonderful role model––confident in her femininity and protective of her family with the intent to help others.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE:
We Set The Dark On Fire by Tehlor K Mejia, Seafire by Natalie C Parker, Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Avery, 15, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
THREE MORE BOOKS TO TRY
Oscar the Mouse
Author: Sam Baker
Ages: 5 – 8
Synopsis: A joyful story about a mischievous little mouse who becomes a little girl’s new friend, and they adventures they share.
Pony
Author: R.J. Palacio
Ages: 9 – 12
Synopsis: An enthralling adventure about a boy on a quest to rescue his father, with only a ghost as his companion and a mysterious pony as his guide.
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Author: Jason Reynolds
Ages: 6 – 8
Synopsis: A hilarious, hopeful, and action-packed novel about the greatest young superhero you’ve never heard of.
Avery Finley, 16, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
