Join the Book Club! Each season, we’ll spotlight a new children’s book to be read as a family or individually. This Fall 2026 our Book Club book is The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. Sign up using the Google Form if you’d like to participate. Below are details on how to get the book, our book club meeting date, information on the book, and a parental warning.

How to Get the Book

• Public library;

• Local bookstores: Greenlight or Books Are Magic (mention you’re a 261 student for 10% off);

• Sora app (e-book/audiobook); or

• Buy online

Save the Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026 is our book discussion and celebration—complete with hot cider and donuts! No check-ins or grades; just a relaxed, fun community event. You’re welcome even if you don’t finish the book.

Book Synopsis: Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Here, leaves grow in a perpetual state of fall: not quite dead, but not quite alive—just like Clare. Long ago, he was struck by a car, and, hovering between life and death, he was given the choice to either cross into the Afterlife or become an Usher of wandering souls. Clare chose the latter: a solitary life of guiding souls to their final resting place.

Clare’s quiet and predictable days are met with upheaval when a badger soul named Gingersnipes knocks on his door. Despite Clare’s efforts to usher her into the Afterlife, the badger is unable to leave Deadwood. This is unprecedented. Baffling. A disturbing mystery which threatens the delicate balance between the living and the dead.

Desperate for help, Clare and Gingersnipes set out on a treacherous journey to find Hesterfowl—the visionary grouse who recently foretold of turmoil in Deadwood. But upon their arrival, Hesterfowl divulges a shocking revelation that leaves Clare devastated, outraged, and determined to do anything to change his fate.

Parental Warnings: The story deals in the deaths and placement of animals in the Afterlife (in four different realms), but it only dwells on the sadness of an actual animal death once, when Clare recalls getting hit by a car and left in the road to die. More jarring and suspenseful is when a young human girl nearly dies from drowning and hypothermia. Other violence includes fights with snakes using oars, teeth, and claws; a barn fire; and life animals chasing the undead ones. Language is mild, with rare uses of “crap”, “son of a bug,” and “dolt.” The story is rich in positive themes, including dealing with loss, letting go, and the importance of self-love and the belief in your own gifts and goodness (CommonSense Media).

Please note! Book selections will change throughout the year, so there are more chances to join if this book isn’t the right fit.

The PS 261 Library is located in Room 214 on the second floor.

The Book Committee hosts morning library hours every Wednesday & Friday! On Wednesday and Friday mornings the PS 261 Library is open to students and families from 8:00 AM - 8:20 AM.

Phone: (718) 330-9275 | Ms. M’s Email: MMigdal@schools.nyc.gov

We love having volunteers in the library! If you’re interested, please email Ms. M with “Volunteer in the Library” as the subject.

Sora: Borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your school’s library with Sora.

Gale in Context: Introduce elementary students to database searching with resources featuring age-appropriate, curriculum-related content.

Britannica Education: Designed for grades 3–5, Britannica School: Elementary is a safe, age-appropriate platform that builds confidence and comprehension. 

Brooklyn Public Library

Kiddle: Safe search engine for kids.

New Literary Project: The New Literary Project offers Scroll Smarter, a free monthly newsletter designed specifically for families. Every edition, you’ll receive:

• Family-friendly tips for discussing current events and media literacy.

• Trending topics like social media algorithms, AI and influencer culture.

• Q&A section where parents share advice and ask questions.

• Age-appropriate resources you can use at home.