Reach

Celesta Rimington writes fantastical middle grade books that are inspired by her childhood living in nearly every region of the United States, where she discovered that all places have whispers of magic, people to love, and weather worth describing. She has presented to thousands of students throughout the country about resilience and creative writing. Her highly praised first novel, The Elephant’s Girl, won the Reading the West Book Award for Young Readers and was named on eight state lists. Celesta holds a degree in social psychology and resides in Utah where she can often be found in the boxing gym or exploring mountain forests with her family and her Yorkie, Winston.

Praise for Reach:A 2026-2027 Club Tome Book Award Winner★ “This is a great book on many levels. It centers big family changes children can experience and validates their feelings. . . A must-have book for children on the edge of teenager-hood, and those experiencing difficult transitions.” —School Library Journal, starred review“The tone is heartfelt and gentle from the start. . . There are no villains here, just a desperately lonely tree and a guarded boy, and the tender ending that finds them both feeling less alone is the literary version of a comfy, homemade quilt. A thoughtful author’s note offers additional (factual) reflections on the ways that a forest is more of a tight web than a series of individual plants and animals.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“Descriptive language draws readers into Denver’s world, where lightly magical elements help him understand what family means and open a door to a better, more hopeful future. Rimington (The Elephant’s Girl, 2020) has created an emotional and well-paced adventure that intriguingly mingles reality and fantasy. A solid recommendation for those who love to step into other worlds while keeping one foot planted in reality.” —Booklist“In this empathetic speculative novel. . . Denver’s complex feelings surrounding his parents’ divorce and his shifting relationship with Harlan, forms parallel narratives about the impact of grief and change across families.” —Publisher’s Weekly“The forest setting provides rich sensory details, and Mae’s unique perspective adds depth to the magical elements. . . Denver’s character growth from resentment to acceptance feels authentic . . . [in this] exploration of family bonds.” —Kirkus Reviews“A heartwarming and magical story for any reader searching for where they truly belong in a family. Kids will be drawn into Denver's satisfying journey of finding family roots and unexpected connections.” —J.L. Esplin, author of 96 Miles“A beautiful story of love and connection for anyone who's ever felt like a stranger in their own family.” —PJ Gardner, author of the Horace & Bunwinkle series and The Great ZoodiniPraise The Elephant's Girl:A Junior Library Guild Selection2021-2022 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List Pick2024 Grand Canyon Reader Award List (AZ)2022-2023 Mark Twain Readers Award List (MO)2022-2023 Virginia Readers’ Choice Award Master List2022 Children’s Sequoyah Book Awards Master List (OK)2021-2022 Volunteer State Book Award List (TN)2021-2022 Keystone to Reading Book Award List (PA)2020 Northern Lights Book Award Winner2020 Reading the West (Mountains and Plains Independent Bookseller Association) Book Award Winner“Poignant...An already engaging tale of life at a zoo turns into a mystery...[and] a bittersweet ending completes the story's magic and mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews“Skillfully paced with just the right amount of tension, this offers a thoughtful look at how our past shapes our present, and how, similarly, memory is shaped by our current circumstances.” —BCCB“This story of friendship includes magical realism, mystery, and adventure that is sure to capture young readers’ attention. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo.” —School Library Journal