SOLVED. YA Shapeshifter Fantasy. Girl is a shapeshifter, first shift was into a bear. All children can change before 8 years old, stop at age 15. Read late 1990's/early 2000's. [s]

[Dee]

Looking for a book I probably read late 1990's, early 2000's. The main character is a girl who is a Shapeshifter. All children can learn to be shapeshifters if they make the first change before 8 years old. Her first shift was into a bear. When they turn 15 they stop being shapeshifters, but they can choose to be an animal forever. She meets a fellow Shapeshifter, I think his name is Kevin or Ken, he's got a grunge vibe. I remember they transform into rats and half her tail gets chewed off to give her the rat name of Halftail. The characters go north to fight off giant winter causing beasts that are threatening to bring about an ice age or something like that. Eventually the characters realize they can become mythical creatures like dragons and use the dragon form to beat off the giant beasts. The male character turns 15 and chooses to become a phoenix for the rest of his life. Can't remember the title or MC's name. I think there's at least once sequel, maybe more

[Rainy]

Kate Thompson - Switchers

I hope that’s right! :)

[Rainy]

Switchers

Sorry for some reason it didn’t post that part

[Dee]

Yes that's it exactly! Thanks!

[Rainy]

You’re welcome 😄

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Dee.

Switchers (book 1) of the Switchers series by Kate Thompson - Rainy's find.