Book Review: ‘A Game of Fox & Squirrels’ by Jenn Reese

Rating: 4/5 Stars

​Jenn Reese’s A Game of Fox & Squirrels dances gracefully between whimsy and wisdom, seamlessly blending childhood innocence with the weight of real-world challenges. This enchanting narrative not only tickles the imagination but also stirs the soul.
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After a family tragedy, eleven-year-old Sam and her sister Caitlin find themselves whisked away to rural Oregon to live with their Aunt Vicky. Sam’s skepticism about their new life hangs heavy like the mist on a Pacific Northwest morning, but everything changes with a mysterious gift from Aunt Vicky: a card game called “A Game of Fox & Squirrels.” The line between reality and fantasy begins to blur when Ashander the fox leaps from the cards into real life, promising Sam a wish if she can find the mythical Golden Acorn.

The inhabitants of Reese’s world are vividly portrayed, each character with their own quirks and charms. From Aunt Vicky’s peculiar chicken obsession to Cedar the squirrel’s insatiable appetite for acorn meat tarts, Reese brings them to life with remarkable brevity.

While the story brims with talking animals and magical quests, it also delves into the weighty theme of domestic violence. Drawing from her own experiences, Reese delicately illuminates the possibility of breaking free from the chains of a toxic past. Through Sam’s eyes, readers embark on a journey through trauma, loss, and healing, elevating A Game of Fox & Squirrels from a mere fairy tale to a profound exploration of family and resilience.

The plot teeters on predictability, and the symbolic elements are overtly presented, but there’s a comforting familiarity to the story’s progression. Readers are gently guided through the thorny thickets of childhood trauma, a journey particularly effective for the middle-grade audience this book targets.

This book will resonate uniquely with each reader. For some, it’s a lantern in the darkness, offering hope and healing. For others, it’s a lens through which to gain insight and understanding. Considering the premise of abuse and the ominous aura of the fox character, sensitive readers should tread lightly.

Nevertheless, it’s an important read that’s bound to captivate a diverse audience with its spellbinding narrative and insightful observations on the human condition. For those seeking a reading experience that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling, look no further! 

Memorable Quotes

“ ‘ Oh, don’t give up so easily,’ the fox said. ‘I said almost impossible, which is another way of saying possible … just very hard.’ ” — Jenn Reese, A Game of Fox & Squirrels

“Words were everywhere. They cost nothing to say. They changed nothing. Even if Sam wanted to believe them, how could she?” — Jenn Reese, A Game of Fox & Squirrels

Personal Note

Fresh off Melanie Benjamin’s California Golden, a narrative deeply rooted in the theme of parental neglect, I stumbled upon Reese’s exploration of child abuse.

Let’s rewind a couple of years, to our family visit to Portland, home to Powell’s City of Books. In the children’s room was a selection of local literature. I was drawn to the cover art of A Game of Fox & Squirrels and bought it as a keepsake for my then 1-year-old son. Premature, some may say, but when it comes to books, is it ever really too soon?

Fast forward to a leisurely afternoon, with my son immersed in imaginative play. With no reading material of my own at hand, I plucked Reese’s book from its cozy spot between The Pout-Pout Fish and Little Blue Truck on his shelf.

Venturing into a middle-grade story after a steady diet of adult literature brought back memories of devouring series like Nancy Drew, The Baby-Sitters Club, and Little House on the Prairie. But now I wonder about the layers of complexity that my younger self overlooked while reading.

Through the lens of adulthood, I can appreciate how A Game of Fox & Squirrels acknowledges the profound influence of home life on a child’s worldview. I may not be Reese’s target audience, but for adults like me, the book serves as a powerful reminder of the emotions children experience, often unnoticed.
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I’m looking forward to sharing A Game of Fox & Squirrels with my son, knowing it will not only entertain him but also nurture his empathy and broaden his understanding of others’ journeys. In the end, isn’t that what the best stories do—connect us, enlighten us, and remind us of our shared humanity?

Disclosure

None. This review is entirely personal and unbiased.

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Title: A Game of Fox & Squirrels
Author: Jenn Reese
Genre: Childrens, Fantasy
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Publication Date: 2020
ISBN: 978-1-250-24301-0
Page Count: 220
Language: English
Buy it: Amazon

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​Have you read A Game of Fox & Squirrels? Share your thoughts in the comments! Or come say hi on social media. You can find me by searching @laurynsmith11.