Imagine having an animal that you look at with admiration and love, but almost everyone around you thinks of the animal as a horrible beast that can destroy everything. This is how Willodeen from Willodeen by Katherine Applegate feels. Throughout her entire life, Willodeen has had a special connection to unloved pests called screechers. Screechers are known to attack humans and have a disgusting smell, but Willodeen believes they need to be protected to preserve the web of nature. Besides screechers, Willodeen has a special spot in her heart for Hummingbears after her family took in an injured one named Duuzuu. Hummingbears are usually a source of tourists and wealth for Willodeen’s village, but recently there have been a great deal of problems surrounding nature, including horrific fires and an abrupt halt to the annual migration of hummingbears in Willodeen’s village. When hunters start to kill the screechers and the hummingbears begin to disappear, Willodeen starts to be pushed by loved ones to get out of her comfort zone and stand up for the animals she loves. However, Willodeen has always struggled with public speaking and social skills, which makes it hard for her to gain the courage to speak up. With the help of her new friend and close family, Willodeen will have to learn to use her voice and stand up for the creatures that she loves. Will Willodeen be able to protect the screeches from hunters, or will they disappear right before her eyes? Also, will Willodeen’s town be able to successfully bring back their famous Hummingbears after all of the nature problems they’ve faced? Read Willodeen by Katherine Applegate to find out!

If you like books like Willodeen by: Katherine Applegate, you may also enjoy Better with Butter by Victoria Piontek. Like Willodeen, Marvel from Better with Butter is also trying to protect an animal that she is passionate about. Marvel has severe anxiety that can make it a struggle to make new friends, just like Willodeen struggles with social connections. When she finds a small fainting goat named Butter on a soccer field, Marvel knows she is meant to care for her even if it means facing tough challenges to keep her. Eventually, Marvel realizes she can register Butter as an emotional support animal to protect her from anxiety and bullies in school, and she finally feels like she can be happy in school. Will Marvel be able to keep Butter at home, or will people in her life prevent her from keeping the little goat? Also, will Marvel be able to overcome her powerful anxiety with Butter’s help? Read Better with Butter by Victoria Piontek to find out, and also make sure you read Willodeen by Katherine Applegate!