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The Woods are Watching is a young adult novel written by Narendra Jailall. The young protagonist is a school girl who navigates life in a single parent home and new school and community.
Life isn't easy when 12 year-old Dhanika Adhikari moves to a new suburban neighbourhood. Her parents are separated at a time when she longs for a mother to lean on as she enters her teenage years. Immature boys and gossiping girls make up the landscape that is middle school and Dhanika wonders if she'll ever make a friend or two to help her survive the rest of the school year.
While bike riding one day, she discovers a beautiful, sprawling forest behind the community centre. Dhanika loves animals and wildlife. She's anxious to explore this new space that could mark the beginning of new adventures and excitement. But, wait. Why is there a large fence around the entire forest? And what about the 'No Trespassing' sign? Why are children being told to stay out?
Dhanika is determined to uncover the truth. What happens to her next is life-changing and anything but ordinary. Will she be able to solve this mystery along with the other problems she has to deal with at school?
About the author
Narendra Jailall is a graduate of Ryerson University (B.S.W.) and York University (B. Ed. and M. Ed). He is an elementary school teacher who has taught in four schools in the Peel District School Board. Narendra enjoys reading, writing, travelling and cooking. This is his first published novel.
