What do you think?
Rate this book
Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill
Embark on a whimsical journey of survival with Olly and Ember as they fight off school bullies, greedy mall developers, and nosy townspeople to protect their secret–that there’s a community of nature-loving creatures that have peacefully lived under Oak Hill for 100s of years.
When Oliver (Olly) Appleton’s grandfather dies in a suspicious accident, his family decides to move to Littleton, Massachusetts, to care for the family estate. Once there, they discover they need to protect their land from a greedy mall developer, Henry Dalton.
Sitting atop Oak Hill, the estate sits in an enchanted wooded sanctuary known for unusual activities and superstitions involving mythical creatures–rumors passed down since the Nipmuc people roamed the land.
When Olly and his new friend Ember run into trouble with school bullies, the creatures known as Spores step in to protect them. Through their adventures, Olly and Ember build friendships with members of the Spore community and discover a common goal. They must work together quickly to protect Oak Hill from Henry Dalton, or lose their homes forever.
When Oliver (Olly) Appleton’s grandfather dies in a suspicious accident, his family decides to move to Littleton, Massachusetts, to care for the family estate. Once there, they discover they need to protect their land from a greedy mall developer, Henry Dalton.
Sitting atop Oak Hill, the estate sits in an enchanted wooded sanctuary known for unusual activities and superstitions involving mythical creatures–rumors passed down since the Nipmuc people roamed the land.
When Olly and his new friend Ember run into trouble with school bullies, the creatures known as Spores step in to protect them. Through their adventures, Olly and Ember build friendships with members of the Spore community and discover a common goal. They must work together quickly to protect Oak Hill from Henry Dalton, or lose their homes forever.
- GenresFantasy
273 pages, Paperback
Published November 9, 2022
8 people are currently reading
1873 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Somodi
6 books52 followersGlenn Somodi is an award-winning author who writes stories in the short space between lying down and dreaming. The stories are written over many nights, replayed, and rewritten in his head for enjoyment. His mission is to find anyone who enjoys reading the stories as much as he enjoys creating them.
Inspired by some of his favorite childhood movies, like Star Wars and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Somodi writes stories filled with magic and adventure that might spark the imagination of others.
Book awards include a Readers’ Favorite Book Awards Silver Medal, a Page Turner Award for Best Middle Grade Fiction, and a Bookfest Winner for his audiobook. It was also recognized as a finalist in the International Book Awards.
Inspired by some of his favorite childhood movies, like Star Wars and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Somodi writes stories filled with magic and adventure that might spark the imagination of others.
Book awards include a Readers’ Favorite Book Awards Silver Medal, a Page Turner Award for Best Middle Grade Fiction, and a Bookfest Winner for his audiobook. It was also recognized as a finalist in the International Book Awards.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 24, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Glenn Somodi for sending me this FREE ARC COPY and goodies as part of The Book Tour for next week!! This was the most enjoyable and adorable YA Fantasy Novel ive read in a long time, i absolutely loved it!! If you love talking mushrooms (Spors) and animals then this book is definately for you.
The Characters were so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Olly, Ember, Cremini, Bella, Truffle and Magpie were my favorites by far tho it was hard to pick just one but i LOVED how it ended with Olly and Ember im so happy for them!!
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Littleton, Massachusetts while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Phenomenally Adorable Book 1 in this YA Fantasy Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 when it comes out.
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Page Tours and Glenn Somodi for sending me this FREE ARC COPY and goodies as part of The Book Tour for next week!! This was the most enjoyable and adorable YA Fantasy Novel ive read in a long time, i absolutely loved it!! If you love talking mushrooms (Spors) and animals then this book is definately for you.
The Characters were so interesting and enjoyable to read about. Olly, Ember, Cremini, Bella, Truffle and Magpie were my favorites by far tho it was hard to pick just one but i LOVED how it ended with Olly and Ember im so happy for them!!
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in Littleton, Massachusetts while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Phenomenally Adorable Book 1 in this YA Fantasy Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 when it comes out.
November 22, 2024
Thanks to the author and Three Bobcats publishing for the copy of this book. Unfortunately it was not really for me. I found the writing a little bland and the test the characters talked was a little odd to me (people said each others names more than i have ever heard in a normal conversation). It may not have been for me, but I do realize I am not the target audience. I plan on sharing with my 9 year old. I think he will appreciate it (especially the jokes and puns) a lot more than I did.
December 21, 2022
Starting a kid’s book with the murder of an old man? Bold move, but it sure got my attention. Many in town spoke of the recently deceased Oren Appleton as the “hermit of Oak Hill.” But to the main character, he was a beloved grandfather.
We first meet Olly and his parents as they move into the inherited house on Oak Hill in Littleton, Massachusetts. Olly has very fond memories of his grandfather spending time with him roaming through natural areas, exploring, and playing games. Olly’s love for nature, and specifically plants, comes directly from his grandfather’s influence. So, while Olly mourns the passing of his grandfather, he sees the possibility of great adventure in exploring the woods of Oak Hill that the older man adored. Having befriended a girl in town who shares his love for nature, Olly inadvertently begins a journey of discovery that will change their lives.
Olly and his close-knit family are a joy to read about. They are genuine, engaging, and generous in their love and appreciation for life. They’ve been facing a financial crisis that doesn’t seem to improve as they settle into life in their new town. Their struggles are relatable, and it’s wonderful to see how the parents work together to overcome obstacles they couldn’t have anticipated.
Olly’s relationship with Ember, a local girl his age, is fun to watch. She’s a firecracker who loves botany, like Olly. She can also hold her own when it comes to witty banter, and their relationship develops through the storyline into one of those rare soul-close friendships.
All of the characters in this story are nicely developed and appropriate for a middle-grade/high-school read. The location of Oak Hill is a wonderland virtually any child would love to romp through, even before we learn of the Spore community within. Spores are small nature-loving creatures that have inhabited this site for centuries by remaining hidden. But when Olly and Ember run into trouble with bullies from school, the Spores step in to help the grandson of their good friend, Oren Appleton.
What follows is a beautiful story of young people allowing their hearts to open for others who are different from themselves, while remaining firm in their beliefs, and standing up for the rights of others. As a new mall threatens the homes of Olly’s and Ember’s families, it would also destroy the community of Spores. Olly and Ember choose to stand in the gap and stop the mall developer to preserve the community on the hill.
While I loved the characters, the location, and the storyline, it was the pacing that brought it all together, creating a story that not just schoolchildren can enjoy. As the story progressed, the energy level seemed to increase. There became a sense of urgency, a sense of pressing need as though preparing for battle, and I found myself completely engrossed in the plight of these people and the community in their struggle.
“Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill” by Glenn Somodi has everything a good novel needs: relatable characters, both good and bad, mysterious events, great wit, spooky legends, a cause to stand up for, and thrilling suspense. There’s even a touch of romance. I heartily recommend this book to students in 5th through 12th grade and adults as well. I not only enjoyed this story, I devoured it, and found myself wanting more.
We first meet Olly and his parents as they move into the inherited house on Oak Hill in Littleton, Massachusetts. Olly has very fond memories of his grandfather spending time with him roaming through natural areas, exploring, and playing games. Olly’s love for nature, and specifically plants, comes directly from his grandfather’s influence. So, while Olly mourns the passing of his grandfather, he sees the possibility of great adventure in exploring the woods of Oak Hill that the older man adored. Having befriended a girl in town who shares his love for nature, Olly inadvertently begins a journey of discovery that will change their lives.
Olly and his close-knit family are a joy to read about. They are genuine, engaging, and generous in their love and appreciation for life. They’ve been facing a financial crisis that doesn’t seem to improve as they settle into life in their new town. Their struggles are relatable, and it’s wonderful to see how the parents work together to overcome obstacles they couldn’t have anticipated.
Olly’s relationship with Ember, a local girl his age, is fun to watch. She’s a firecracker who loves botany, like Olly. She can also hold her own when it comes to witty banter, and their relationship develops through the storyline into one of those rare soul-close friendships.
All of the characters in this story are nicely developed and appropriate for a middle-grade/high-school read. The location of Oak Hill is a wonderland virtually any child would love to romp through, even before we learn of the Spore community within. Spores are small nature-loving creatures that have inhabited this site for centuries by remaining hidden. But when Olly and Ember run into trouble with bullies from school, the Spores step in to help the grandson of their good friend, Oren Appleton.
What follows is a beautiful story of young people allowing their hearts to open for others who are different from themselves, while remaining firm in their beliefs, and standing up for the rights of others. As a new mall threatens the homes of Olly’s and Ember’s families, it would also destroy the community of Spores. Olly and Ember choose to stand in the gap and stop the mall developer to preserve the community on the hill.
While I loved the characters, the location, and the storyline, it was the pacing that brought it all together, creating a story that not just schoolchildren can enjoy. As the story progressed, the energy level seemed to increase. There became a sense of urgency, a sense of pressing need as though preparing for battle, and I found myself completely engrossed in the plight of these people and the community in their struggle.
“Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill” by Glenn Somodi has everything a good novel needs: relatable characters, both good and bad, mysterious events, great wit, spooky legends, a cause to stand up for, and thrilling suspense. There’s even a touch of romance. I heartily recommend this book to students in 5th through 12th grade and adults as well. I not only enjoyed this story, I devoured it, and found myself wanting more.
March 2, 2023
Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill follows Olly Appleton and his new friend Ember as they try to protect a secret community of nature-loving creatures that have lived under Oak Hill for hundreds of years. They are under threat from school bullies, greedy mall developers and nosey townspeople.
This is a fantastic fantasy for all ages and I found it an enchanting and entertaining read. It takes you on an adventure and you find yourself taking the journey with the characters and rooting for Olly and his friends as they discover a common goal and a cause to stand up for.
The book is well-written with great character introduction and development, a creative storyline and each chapter keeps you entertained. I loved the characters and found them genuine and relatable.
I really enjoyed the journey with Olly, Ember and the Spores. I was totally engrossed with the story and didn’t want it to end. It took me back to my childhood and brought back memories of the books that started my wonderful reading journey. It is a great book and a fun read for everyone no matter your age and I didn’t want it to end.
Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill is definitely worth the read and I absolutely recommend it!
March 4, 2023
Olly and The Spores of Oak Hill
by Glenn Somodi
5 stars
The book starts with an ending, which is a big bold move for a YA book but made it interesting from the beginning. In this story, we follow Oren's son, daughter-in-law, and grandson to Oak Hill the house and land Oren left his family.
This is such a great YA fantasy read, I enjoyed all the characters and the story. The mushrooms (spores) are adorable.
Oren is the sort of grandpa we all wish we could have, the woods is a place I love being and always want to be anywhere in the world I would want to be in the woods. This book made me feel like I was in Littleton and in the woods. I can't wait for book 2.
Thank you Traveling pages tours and Glenn Somodi for sending me this free ARC and the little goodies as part of this book tour.
by Glenn Somodi
5 stars
The book starts with an ending, which is a big bold move for a YA book but made it interesting from the beginning. In this story, we follow Oren's son, daughter-in-law, and grandson to Oak Hill the house and land Oren left his family.
This is such a great YA fantasy read, I enjoyed all the characters and the story. The mushrooms (spores) are adorable.
Oren is the sort of grandpa we all wish we could have, the woods is a place I love being and always want to be anywhere in the world I would want to be in the woods. This book made me feel like I was in Littleton and in the woods. I can't wait for book 2.
Thank you Traveling pages tours and Glenn Somodi for sending me this free ARC and the little goodies as part of this book tour.
November 29, 2023
Excellent story for young minds
Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is an excellent story that I look forward to sharing with my granddaughter. She is going to love it.
The story is about Olly, who moves to Littleton MS after his grandfather (poppy) was murdered. Upon arriving to town, he steps in to rescue a damsel in distress, earning him a girlfriend and two nasty enemies.
Olly soon learns of the magic in Littleton - a community of mushrooms, called Spores. Not to spoil the story, but Olly is instrumental in helping the Spore community, solving the murder, and sending his enemies to JD.
It is a heartwarming story. My favorite part is when Olly saves 3 baby owls from a forest fire.
I know my grands will love this story. Highly recommended!
Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is an excellent story that I look forward to sharing with my granddaughter. She is going to love it.
The story is about Olly, who moves to Littleton MS after his grandfather (poppy) was murdered. Upon arriving to town, he steps in to rescue a damsel in distress, earning him a girlfriend and two nasty enemies.
Olly soon learns of the magic in Littleton - a community of mushrooms, called Spores. Not to spoil the story, but Olly is instrumental in helping the Spore community, solving the murder, and sending his enemies to JD.
It is a heartwarming story. My favorite part is when Olly saves 3 baby owls from a forest fire.
I know my grands will love this story. Highly recommended!
February 22, 2024
Great start to a promising series!
“Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill" captivated me with its enchanting mix of adventure, the beauty of nature, and the strength of friendship. Following the journey of Olly and Ember, I was reminded of the magical perspective of childhood, where every aspect of nature whispers secrets waiting to be discovered. The story skillfully combines elements of mystery and humor, making it a compelling read that also emphasizes the critical message of environmental conservation. This book reignited my appreciation for the natural world and the power of bonds formed in the face of adversity, offering a delightful and meaningful experience that left me eagerly anticipating more adventures.
“Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill" captivated me with its enchanting mix of adventure, the beauty of nature, and the strength of friendship. Following the journey of Olly and Ember, I was reminded of the magical perspective of childhood, where every aspect of nature whispers secrets waiting to be discovered. The story skillfully combines elements of mystery and humor, making it a compelling read that also emphasizes the critical message of environmental conservation. This book reignited my appreciation for the natural world and the power of bonds formed in the face of adversity, offering a delightful and meaningful experience that left me eagerly anticipating more adventures.
March 5, 2023
I first want to thank Travelling Pages Tours and the author for sending me a copy of this book.
This book was adorable. It reminded me a lot of Bridge to Terabithia. Easy read for children to follow along. There was some darker elements to this book maybe hard for kids to read, like murder. But I loved the story! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and have my own kids read this book.
I know the kids were meant to be 15, but I imagined them more as 12 with their mannerisms.
This book was adorable. It reminded me a lot of Bridge to Terabithia. Easy read for children to follow along. There was some darker elements to this book maybe hard for kids to read, like murder. But I loved the story! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and have my own kids read this book.
I know the kids were meant to be 15, but I imagined them more as 12 with their mannerisms.
March 5, 2023
5/5 FUN Stars.
The Perfect Escape!
Glen Somodi gives us a truly entertaining and enjoyable read. This story is just SO fun. I was so lost in these pages and completely hooked on these characters.
Olly And The Spores of Oak Hill is an adventure full of joy that left me yearning for MORE! This was definitely a delightful reading experience.
The Perfect Escape!
Glen Somodi gives us a truly entertaining and enjoyable read. This story is just SO fun. I was so lost in these pages and completely hooked on these characters.
Olly And The Spores of Oak Hill is an adventure full of joy that left me yearning for MORE! This was definitely a delightful reading experience.
July 7, 2023
Great book! I am an avid reader of all types of books. I am also a reading specialist in a public school system. This engaging book checks all the boxes to grab students' attention. This book full of character development, friendships, environmental concerns with doses of fantasy would hook third grade through middle school age children. Glenn, when's the next book? Job well done.
December 28, 2023
WOW
This book is so beautifully written. Its descriptive and enchanting along with lovely watercolour illustrations throughout. As a big mushroom fan I love how the author entangled the world of mycology by making the spores the food guys as the main characters olly and Ember embrace their world. Can't wait for more
This book is so beautifully written. Its descriptive and enchanting along with lovely watercolour illustrations throughout. As a big mushroom fan I love how the author entangled the world of mycology by making the spores the food guys as the main characters olly and Ember embrace their world. Can't wait for more
May 23, 2024
This is a charming middle-grade read! We really enjoyed the secret magic, and the spores are adorable.
My son and I were reading this together, but I found out he couldn't wait to find out how the story unfolded, and he secretly read the whole thing in a night - I would say that's a glowing endorsement!
We are looking forward to picking up book 2 at our local bookstore.
My son and I were reading this together, but I found out he couldn't wait to find out how the story unfolded, and he secretly read the whole thing in a night - I would say that's a glowing endorsement!
We are looking forward to picking up book 2 at our local bookstore.
March 10, 2023
Enjoyed the fantasy adventure combining the challenges of being a high school freshman in a new town, and having a grandfather who opens your mind to nature and the world of what could be. Use your own imagination and enjoy this novel.
February 12, 2024
whimsy and heartwarming
Olly finds a fantastical world after his grandfather's mysterious death. With his friend Ember by his side, they navigate magical creatures and adversaries. This story is about friendship and survival. It captivates with its whimsy and heartwarming charm.
Olly finds a fantastical world after his grandfather's mysterious death. With his friend Ember by his side, they navigate magical creatures and adversaries. This story is about friendship and survival. It captivates with its whimsy and heartwarming charm.
November 27, 2024
What a creative story that was funny and punny, all while saving a town and solving a murder. While I’m not the target audience, it definitely kept my interest. It will make a great gift for the YA. I can’t wait to read the next one!
January 26, 2023
What an adventure!
Character introduction and development are superb. The author places you beside the characters in the story, taking the journey with them. Looking forward to their next adventure in book two!
Character introduction and development are superb. The author places you beside the characters in the story, taking the journey with them. Looking forward to their next adventure in book two!
May 1, 2023
I loved this amazing YA story! I don't normally like fantasy, but it was the perfect amount of fantasy and reality! It made me smile all the way through! I can't wait to read more by this author!!
June 15, 2023
Absolutely loved it. Can't wait for the next one. Getting behind one another gets things done.
January 1, 2024
Great book! I love how it included a mystery, but also several other missions along the way! This is one of the fastest times I’ve ever read a book. Please write more, I really enjoyed this one!
July 7, 2025
This is a book that has all of the trappings of an excellent middle-reader book, which certainly has the legs to run as a series (as I suspect Somodi would love to do). However, it is hindered in a few aspects. Primarily, I really feel like this book could've greatly benefitted from a rigorous edit. It takes quite some time to get the ball rolling, as the pacing is quite slow for approximately the first half of the book.
Also, there is an issue where none of the characters really seem to have their own voice. This is especially true for all of our teenaged characters, who don't read as teens or even as an adult's interpretation of teens, but rather as fully-grown adults who are in teenage bodies. There are also a few facets of the story that date it as being a little out-of-touch from youth culture of today, but I'm honestly a lot more forgiving of those elements. Especially because the target demographic for this book (middle readers, probably around 5th grade) won't really have the insight to see through that.
Beyond that, I did find the book enjoyable enough to see through halfway, where it started to considerably pick up and was engaging through to the very end. Thankfully, the first half had Olly attempting to commit second-degree murder and engaging in chemical warfare, so there were still some highs there, don't get me wrong. However, once we're *really* introduced to the Spores, their dilemma, and the solution for their problem, the book becomes substantially better. It just would have been nice to get there sooner.
I will end in saying that I think one of the largest missed opportunities was the lack of narrative cohesion between the Spores and the citizens of Littleton. There is so much already here to have a beautifully cohesive theme surrounding communities, but it isn't fully realized, mostly due to a lack of intentionality, I feel. Something that I hope to see remedied in future books in this series. I think committing to those ideas would really turn an idea that has legs into an idea that has wings.
Also, there is an issue where none of the characters really seem to have their own voice. This is especially true for all of our teenaged characters, who don't read as teens or even as an adult's interpretation of teens, but rather as fully-grown adults who are in teenage bodies. There are also a few facets of the story that date it as being a little out-of-touch from youth culture of today, but I'm honestly a lot more forgiving of those elements. Especially because the target demographic for this book (middle readers, probably around 5th grade) won't really have the insight to see through that.
Beyond that, I did find the book enjoyable enough to see through halfway, where it started to considerably pick up and was engaging through to the very end. Thankfully, the first half had Olly attempting to commit second-degree murder and engaging in chemical warfare, so there were still some highs there, don't get me wrong. However, once we're *really* introduced to the Spores, their dilemma, and the solution for their problem, the book becomes substantially better. It just would have been nice to get there sooner.
I will end in saying that I think one of the largest missed opportunities was the lack of narrative cohesion between the Spores and the citizens of Littleton. There is so much already here to have a beautifully cohesive theme surrounding communities, but it isn't fully realized, mostly due to a lack of intentionality, I feel. Something that I hope to see remedied in future books in this series. I think committing to those ideas would really turn an idea that has legs into an idea that has wings.
July 3, 2024
Absolutely loved! This book had me on the edge of my seat. Fantastic read with a creative and adventurous storyline. I binge read it in a couple of days! I can’t wait to share this book with my little sister. I quickly fell in love with the characters and all their heartfelt moments. I know she will too. Worth the read! Looking forward to book #2!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews