Justine Pucella Winans (they/she) is a queer and nonbinary writer who lives in Los Angeles with their husband and two adorable cats, Jasper and Twinklepop. Their YA debut, BIANCA TORRE IS AFRAID OF EVERYTHING, was an Indies Introduce title and critically acclaimed comedic murder mystery. Their MG debut, THE OTHERWOODS, is a spooky portal fantasy that releases September 2023. When not writing queer, creepy, and fun fiction for kids and teens, they can be found training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reading manga and webcomics, and actively avoiding real life scary situations.
Too Bright to See meets Doll Bones in this spooky, atmospheric adventure about a reluctant hero’s journey into a terrifying other world.
Some would call River Rydell a “chosen one”: born with the ability to see monsters and travel to a terrifying world called The Otherwoods, they have all the makings of a hero. But River just calls themself unlucky. It’s not like anyone actually believes River can do these things, so the way River sees it, it’s best to just ignore anything Otherwoods-related.
But The Otherwoods won’t be ignored any longer.
When River’s only friend (and crush) Avery is dragged into The Otherwoods, River has no choice but to confront the world they’ve seen only in their nightmares—but reality is more horrifying than they could have ever imagined. With only their cat for protection and a teen spirit as their guide, River must face The Otherwoods and their own fears to become the hero they were (unfortunately) destined to be.
Praise for THE OTHERWOODS
[An] emotionally complex portal fantasy… Balancing gruesome creature encounters with an empowering mediation on bravery, this middle grade debut offers up a panoply of nightmarish ghouls and harrowing perils, but the real appeal comes from tender interpersonal ties and themes of self-discovery.
— Publishers Weekly, starred review
Spooky, funny, and queer—what’s not to love?
— Kirkus
A masterful blend of horror and humor, The Otherwoods is at its core a heartfelt story about believing in yourself. An enthralling, atmospheric story that perfectly illustrates how embracing who you are can make you a force to be reckoned with.
— A.J. Sass, author of Ana on the Edge and Ellen Outside the Lines
Justine Pucella Winans has given us a hero who might see themselves as unlikely but who readers will both believe in and root for. This is a book about identity and friendship and how far we will go for the people we care about. I enjoyed every spooky (and sometimes slimy) minute of it.
— Lora Senf, author of The Clackity
A spooky adventure with a reluctant hero who learns the value of facing their fears, no matter how fantastical or mundane! Readers who adore the weird, strange, and terrifying will enjoy this story that subtly challenges them to walk proudly as themselves.
— Ash Van Otterloo, author of Cattywampus and A Touch of Rukus
Spooky Middle Grade 