From debut author Askel Aden comes a stunning YA graphic novel about family, identity, and reconciliation—a heartfelt fantasy adventure that explores the complicated, ever-evolving bond between a mother and child.

Can this road trip get any worse?

Yes, Mom (Audrey) wanted to spend time with Misha. And yes, she’s never around and they don’t even live together, so this is a rare opportunity. Audrey still struggles to see Misha for who they truly are, even as Misha tries to open up about being non-binary. A heartfelt letter should make things easier—but somehow, it only makes everything more complicated.

Then a wrong turn down a forest road leads the mother-child duo straight into the Realm of Spirits! Suddenly in peril and without a clue how to return to their world, Misha and Audrey will have to work together to find their way back home.

But escaping the spirit realm might be the easy part. To truly make it back, they’ll have to confront what’s kept them apart—and discover whether they can find their way back to each other.

A William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist
A Lamba Award Nominee
Selected for the Rainbow Book List
A Comic Book Council 2026 KIDS FAVORITE!

"Drenched in golden hues, this adventure captures the nuance of strained familial relationships with ease. " —Booklist, starred review

"An emotionally realistic, situationally fantastic, and vibrantly illustrated graphic novel." —School Library Journal

"Emotionally gratifying." —Publishers Weekly

"An extended mother-child therapy session, with magic." —Kirkus