Frances and the Werewolves of the Black Forest

Nominated for a 2023 Bram Stoker Award

“A joy to read!" —New York Times bestselling author Margaret Peterson Haddix 

Child genius and budding inventor Frances is in trouble. Her dreams of scientific glory were dashed when her first big experiment nearly destroyed her whole town. So when a prestigious society invites her to their symposium, Frances sees it as a chance to redeem herself.

On the way there, her train is hijacked, and she and her friend Luca flee into the Black Forest. Seeking shelter with a group of orphans, Frances learns the rules of the woods: Never travel alone. Never make a sound. Because something hunts in the shadows, something with glowing eyes and sharp teeth.

Frances is no stranger to monsters, but she quickly learns there are forces more terrifying than she ever imagined…and that the key to defeating them might lie in her own scientific discoveries. With Luca and the orphans at her side, Frances must again face the horrifying, this time determined to stop evil and make a name for herself, once and for all.

Filled with friendship, humor, daring deeds, and a spunky main character who will definitely steal your heart, this historical fantasy is perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and Greenglass House. 

What happens when science is the only thing that can stop a supernatural threat?

• Girl Genius Protagonist: Meet Frances, a budding inventor whose knack for science might be the only thing that can save her and her friends.
• High-Stakes Train Adventure: When her train is hijacked by mysterious men, Frances and her friend Luca must make a daring escape into the dark woods.
• Spooky Children's Horror: Something with glowing eyes and sharp teeth stalks the shadows of the Black Forest, and it’s up to Frances to uncover the mystery.
• A Heartfelt Friendship Story: Packed with teamwork, humor, and courage, this is a story about the family you find and the friends who stand by you, no matter what.

Praise for Frances and the Monster: "A captivating tale filled with monsters, marvels, and misadventures, Frances and the Monster is gripping, inventive, and deeply moving. Tuma’s middle-grade debut is a harrowing and heartfelt tribute to owning your scars and learning to turn them into stars." - Alysa Wishingrad, author of The Verdigris Pawn

"This book has twists, turns, and surprises galore…And the ending, holy moly! No spoilers here, but this is the kind of book you'll want to talk about with a friend." - Ben Gartner, author of The Eye of Ra series

“A joy to read!" - New York Times bestselling author Margaret Peterson Haddix

“[Frances’] memorable adventure, with strong echoes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, plays out against a colorful background as she confronts who she is in a truly shocking finale. A fast-paced and remarkably original tale.”  - Kirkus Reviews

“A rollicking adventure.” - Kirkus Reviews