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“Rivera has masterfully crafted a story that delivers a thrilling narrative while also offering important insight into the experiences of Mexican immigrants living in the United States. This novel is perfect for those seeking to dip their toes into horror and explore fear as an essential part of the human experience.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Kaela Rivera delivers a chilling, fast-paced tale that pulses with real emotional depth. The Hungry Forest is as terrifying as it is tender, grappling with grief, brotherhood, and the dangerous lessons boys inherit about what it means to be ‘strong.’ Readers will race through its haunted shadows, rooting for Ryan and Teddy every step of the way. With nuanced Latinx representation and unforgettable scares, this novel lingers long after the final page. A gripping, resonant read.”

—David Bowles, award-winning author of They Call Me Güero

The Hungry Forest

Written by Kaela Rivera
Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books

Ryan’s dad had a lot of rules:
Never let others see you cry.
Never let people outside of the family hear you speaking Spanish.
But the most important rule of all? Never go into the hungry forest.

Since his father’s death, Ryan has worked extra hard to follow his father’s rules and be the kind of man his father would be proud of. But Ryan’s anger is getting out of control, and he can’t seem to stop taking it out on his younger brother Teddy.

When Teddy and Ryan think they hear their father calling them from The Hungry Forest, Ryan ventures in. Teddy was supposed to wait outside, but he didn’t listen, and is quickly captured by a terrifying, masked monster.

With no sign of Dad and monsters closing in, one thing is clear: The forest is as cursed as the legends say. If Ryan can’t find his brother and escape the woods before sunrise, they’ll be trapped there forever. Ryan and Teddy will have to face their fears-and each other-to make it out alive.

Primary ISBN: 9781547619221
Publication Date: August 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (South Carolina)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Engagement Materials:

The Hungry Forest introduced by author, Kaela Rivera

Source: Bloomsbury