The Unfinished

Gr 7-10–Avid high school runner Avery, who is Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk), finds comfort striding through the trails in the big forest of her small town, Crook Falls. While trail running, she must never leave the trail, which she always abides by—except this one time. Avery unexpectedly wakes something in the black water. She tries to conceal the truth about this new haunting figure from everyone. The hauntings become her worst nightmare when her best friend Key disappears and the reason for it seems to align with the terrifying figure. Before it becomes too late to save Key or worse, Avery seeks out her elders to gather clues on how to stop the terror and heal past trauma from the Ragged Man. Fright slowly escalates as more is revealed about the lore of the forbidden aqua void. With this fright brings bravery, a push to connect, and acceptance of change. This level of introspection may bore and drag out the plot for some. This chilling quest to save a best friend (and perhaps the town) reveals the bravery that Avery needs to come face to face with her greatest fears. Readers will finish this feeling spooked and reflective of their own secure attachments.