Reading Metrics
Description
In Everwild, the sequel to Everlost, Nick, the self-styled "chocolate ogre," searches the in-between world for every child trapped there and hands each a coin that promises release. At the same time, Mikey and Allie have aligned themselves with a band of skinjackers children who can slip into the bodies of the living and Allie's ability to skinjack despite being alive puts her in danger when she ventures into the living world. As Nick's mission to free the lost souls clashes with the skinjackers' ambitions, the two factions must navigate the dangers on both sides of the veil, and Allie's secret threatens to upend everything.
Quick Summary
If you loved "The Skinjacker" and are ready to dive back into the strange, spooky limbo of Everlost, this sequel delivers even more weirdness and heart. Shusterman has a gift for making you genuinely care about characters who aren't quite alive anymore, and the way Nick tries to help trapped souls find peace feels meaningful without being preachy. Mikey and Allie's choice to become skinjackers basically possessing living bodies adds a whole new layer of tension, especially when Allie starts creeping into the real world. Kids who enjoy a mix of humor, mild horror, and emotional stakes will find a lot to love here, particularly readers who like their scary stories with a big helping of weird. There's some genuinely creepy imagery (think ghostly limbo kids and unsettling body-swapping) so it's probably best for older middle graders, but nothing too intense just enough to give you chills. Fans of "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman or anyone who enjoys urban fantasy with a darker edge will feel right at home. The plot keeps twisting in unexpected ways, so even if you think you know where it's heading, you probably won't.