MIDDLE GRADE FICTION REVIEW : Keepers of the Forests (Sentinels #1) by Kate O'Hearn (Available Nov. 10, 2026)
ABOUT THE BOOK
Rum is the runt of his litter and an outcast in the Sky Clan, but he sees and understands things the other squirrels don’t—for Rum is a sentinel. Born to each squirrel clan when a catastrophe is looming, sentinels are powerful seers that must go to the Dark Forest to meet a mysterious squirrel that can decipher their message. When Rum befriends the Lowland Clan’s runaway sentinel, Nearly, the two band together to reach the Dark Forest to meet the ancient squirrel, Arundale.
But the message Arundale deciphers is dire: A fire is coming to the mountains that will destroy everything in its path. Only the sentinels can save the forest creatures. But one of their kind, the final sentinel, is missing.
So Rum, Nearly, and a legion of animal protectors set off on an epic journey to find the missing sentinel, and learn her secret message before it’s too late.
Fast-paced and packed with drama and dangerous battles, Sentinels is perfect for reluctant readers and fantasy lovers alike, and filled with captivating illustrations that bring the squirrel world to life.
REVIEW
Young readers who enjoy epic fantasies with animals as the main characters will love this new series by Kate O'Hearn. This series revolves around five young squirrels who are sentinels. Young Rum doesn't know he's a sentinel as the story opens. All he knows is that his size and weak leg make him a target. His visions and unusual connection to the world around him allow him to save his clan from danger. Once he learns of his calling as a sentinel he sets out with his new friend, Nearly, a large black and white squirrel who is also a sentinel. They head for the Dark Forest with an escort to join forces with the other sentinels in an effort to discover the message the Great Forest Spirit has called them to share. The message can only be understood fully when all five sentinels come together. But one of their number has been captured by the mountain badgers whose leader wants their powers for himself. With the guidance of wise old squirrel Arundale, the sentinels set out to rescue the last of their number in order to discover the complete message before the entire forest is destroyed by fire. Middle grade readers who enjoy the cat Warriors series by Erin Hunter or the Guardians of Ga'hoole about owls or even Rosanne Parry's Tales of the Wilderness will find this series just as compelling with lots of action, friendship, and sacrifice. As the first of a series, future volumes will continue the story of the sentinels and their efforts to save all the creatures of the forest.
Content note : violent deaths occur in fighting between different groups in the forest, although not graphically described.
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