The Wilderness of Girls

By: Madeline Claire Franklin

Narrated by: Rebecca Soler

An unflinching YA debut about a troubled teen who discovers a pack of feral girls in the woods and is swept up in the ensuing mystery: Are the Wild Girls of Happy Valley lost princesses from a faraway land, as they believe, or are they brainwashed victims of a deranged kidnapper?

In her ambitious debut perfect for fans of Sadie and The Hazel Wood, Madeline Claire Franklin crafts a gripping exploration of how the world teaches young girls to cage their wildness—and what happens when they claw themselves free.

After being placed in foster care, Rhi is hungry for a fresh start and begins working at the Happy Valley Wildlife Preserve. While in the woods, she stumbles upon a surreal sight: a pack of wolves guarding four feral and majestic girls. After Rhi gains their trust, they reveal that they’re princesses from another land, raised by a magical prophet they call Mother—and they're convinced Rhi is their lost fifth sister.

Unsure what to believe, Rhi ushers the girls to civilization, where they’re met with societal uproar and scrutiny, dubbed by the ravenous media and true crime junkies as “The Wild Girls of Happy Valley.” Desperate to return to their kingdom, the girls look to Rhi for help. Rhi knows the girls are deluded, but at the same time she’s drawn in by their boldness and authenticity—traits she is afraid she has lost within herself. And when Rhi witnesses strange phenomena she can’t quite explain, the line between fantasy and reality grows blurry.

As the hunt for answers intensifies, Rhi must make a decision that will change the course of her lives and the lives of her Wild Girls forever.

©2024 Madeline Claire Franklin (P)2024 Zando Young Readers

An outstanding debut!

Visceral and absolutely relatable, this is the book I wish I’d had nearly 30 years ago. My inner teen feels much less alone after this story. Share this book with all the YA ladies in your life and remind them to stay weird!

The sibling connection

Book Review: The Wilderness of Girls on the Psychological Journey

The Wilderness of Girls on the Psychological Journey is a profound exploration into the inner lives of its female characters, skillfully intertwining the trials and triumphs of adolescence with the intricate tapestry of psychological growth. The author delves into the multifaceted world of girlhood, capturing the essence of emotional and mental development with both sensitivity and depth.

From the outset, readers are drawn into a narrative that is as much about self-discovery as it is about the collective experience of growing up. The characters are meticulously crafted, each representing different facets of the psychological journey. Their struggles with identity, belonging, and emotional resilience are portrayed with a realism that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The writing style is evocative, with descriptive passages that transport the reader into the heart of each girl’s wilderness—both literal and metaphorical. The wilderness serves as a powerful symbol, representing the unknown and often turbulent territory of the mind. Through their interactions with nature and each other, the characters find parallels to their own internal struggles and growth.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to address complex psychological themes without becoming didactic. The author seamlessly weaves in elements of psychological theory, presenting them through the lived experiences of the characters. This approach makes the subject matter accessible and relatable, inviting readers to reflect on their own psychological journeys.

However, some readers might find the pacing uneven at times, with certain sections delving deeply into introspection while others move swiftly through action-driven plot points. This variation, though, ultimately contributes to the book’s realistic portrayal of the ebb and flow of psychological growth.

In conclusion, The Wilderness of Girls on the Psychological Journey is a compelling and insightful read that resonates on multiple levels. It is a testament to the strength and complexity of the human psyche, especially as it navigates the challenging terrain of girlhood. This book is a valuable addition to both psychological literature and young adult fiction, offering readers a profound understanding of the intricate dance between mind and experience.