Site Loader

A magic-tinged contemporary YA about grief and hope from the acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of the Graceling Realm novels.

Wilhelmina Hart is part of the infamous class of 2020. Her high school years began with a shocking presidential election and ended with a pandemic. In the midst of this global turmoil, she also lost one of her beloved aunts, a loss she still feels keenly. Having deferred college, Wilhelmina now lives in a limbo she can see no way out of, like so many of her peers. Wilhelmina’s personal darkness would be unbearable (especially with another monumental election looming) but for the inexplicable and seemingly magical clues that have begun to intrude on her life—flashes of bizarre, ecstatic whimsy that seem to add up to a message she can’t quite grasp. But something tells her she should follow their lead. Maybe a trail of elephants, birds, angels, and stale doughnuts will lead Wilhelmina to a door?

"Cashore's command over language and her incredible mind for extraordinary ideas are reminiscent of Madeleine L'Engle. There Is a Door in This Darkness contains the wonder, and the ideas it holds are bigger than words.”—Courtney Summers, New York Times bestselling author of Sadie and I’m The Girl

“How do we get through hard and confusing times? There Is a Door in This Darkness shows us the way with charm, heart, and a sprinkle of magic. This story of family, friendship, and love is told with some very timely essentials: kindness, compassion, and empathy.”—Deb Caletti, National Book Award Finalist and Michael L. Printz Honoree

"Cashore’s work is alive to the wonder of this world—grounding you in it one aching, perfect page at a time. Wilhelmina is a mighty main character whose adventures leave an indelible glow. Also, this book has the best magical aunts ever written."—A. R. Capetta, Lambda-Literary-award-winning and bestselling author

"A nimbly braided slice-of-life tale."—PW

"An in-depthcharacter study with wonder as a subtle but steady undertone."—Booklist

  • Pages: 384 Pages
  • Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
  • Imprint: Dutton Books for Young Readers
  • ISBN: 9780803739994
Penguin Teen