Reach -- Celesta Rimington, Hardcover

Wishtree meets Song for a Whale, in this beautifully moving story about a boy whose wish for his family to return to the way it used to be, teaches him the real meaning of roots and the new ones that can grow if we let them.

Ever since getting a little stepbrother named Harlan, Denver hasn't felt like he fits into his own family. Lots of people find Harlan charming, but not Denver. His pesky stepbrother tags along everywhere Denver goes, breaking things and wanting Denver's attention every. single. second. After an especially disastrous morning, Denver escapes to the forest, experiencing a whiff of ancient magic when he meets an old and dignified but lonely tree named Spiro. When Spiro offers to turn Harlan into a tree for a few hours, Denver jumps at the chance--only to realize he's made a mistake when nobody, including his mom and stepdad, seems to remember Harlan existed. And now Spiro isn't certain he can reverse the transformation.

To save Harlan, Denver will need to find out what happened to Spiro to make him so disconnected from the other trees in the forest . . . but to do so the change he might have to make first is within himself.

Author: Celesta Rimington
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Published: 01/27/2026
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
ISBN: 9780593860304
Age Range: 10-UP

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 10/13/2025

About the Author
Celesta Rimington writes fantastical middle grade books that are inspired by her childhood living in nearly every region of the United States, where she discovered that all places have whispers of magic, people to love, and weather worth describing. She has presented to thousands of students throughout the country about resilience and creative writing. Her highly praised first novel, The Elephant's Girl, won the Reading the West Book Award for Young Readers and was named on eight state lists. Celesta holds a degree in social psychology and resides in Utah where she can often be found in the boxing gym or exploring mountain forests with her family and her Yorkie, Winston.