59 pages • 1 hour read
C. C. HarringtonWildoak
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Authorial Context: C.C. Harrington’s Writing Philosophy
Wildoak is C.C. Harrington’s debut novel. She notes in her blog that she spent a long time writing this novel, and she says that she is mindful that it is “the most extraordinary gift—to know that this work has the potential to touch readers of all ages” (“Putting a Book Into the World.” C.C. Harrington). Harrington believes that words can have a real impact on others, so they should be respectful, gentle, and come from a position of humility. She feels that writers must hone their craft toward more than just reader engagement—good writers also have a responsibility to tell the truth about the world, even in fiction. Writers, according to Harrington, should be curious, determined, and brave. They should listen to their own individual hearts and speak with their own unique voices. This allows them to share a part of themselves with their readers and share authentic truths about the world.
Harrington loves to spend time outdoors; just like Maggie in Wildoak, Harrington, too, enjoys walking in the forest. Harrington’s attachment to the natural world inspired her to advocate for conservation though her writing. Sometimes, she worries “that being a storyteller in a time of global crisis isn’t of much use” (“The Telling of Stories.” C.C. Harrington). However, she takes comfort in the ideas of activists like Jane Goodall, who believe that storytelling spreads empathy and, when properly used, can spark positive change. Harrington hopes that Wildoak will be this kind of book and that it will be a force for spreading empathy and goodness in the world. Harrington’s intention is to tell a story that makes people think about communication, compassion, individual worth, and the value of nature.
Social Context: Encouraging Young People to Connect With Nature
Young people are increasingly connected to phones and technology, and many have little meaningful connection to the natural world. Social scientists worry that this situation contributes to poor mental health outcomes, lowered self-esteem, and impaired interpersonal relationships that include bullying (Abi-Jaoude, Elia, et al. “Smartphones, Social Media Use and Youth Mental Health.” Canadian Medical Association Journal, vol. 192, no. 6, 2022, pp. 136-41). By contrast, young people who spend time in nature have improved mental health, self-esteem, and quality of life (Tillmann, Suzanne, et al. “Mental Health Benefits of Interactions With Nature in Children and Teenagers: a Systematic Review.” Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, vol. 72, no. 10, 2018, pp. 958-66). Books like Wildoak can have a positive impact because they portray the beauty of nature and encourage young readers’ wonder and curiosity about the outdoor world.
Concerns about climate change can also make young people feel anxious, depressed, and even hopeless. Wildoak combats these feelings by emphasizing the value of human connections—to one another and to nature—and focusing on hope and on working toward positive outcomes even in an imperfect world. Wildoak advocates for acceptance and respect, regardless of communication styles, beliefs, and even species. The book’s concluding Author’s Notes are a clear indication of these aims. Harrington provides information on reforestation efforts and links readers to educational resources, explicitly encouraging young people to get involved with conservation programs like Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots. She also provides information about organizations such as the Snow Leopard Trust, which works to conserve big cat species. And finally, she offers information about stuttering, concluding with several resources for young people who stutter, encouraging both stutterers and those who know them to reach out for support and education.
