The Midnight Fox

In 'The Midnight Fox,' young narrator, 12-year-old a boy named the narrator moves to his aunt's farm for the summer, where he encounters unexpected friendships and adventures. He befriends a mysterious black fox that visits at night, igniting his imagination and sense of wonder. As he uncovers the secrets of the fox's life, he must confront his own fears and insecurities. The journey of self-discovery unfolds amidst the enchanting backdrop of nature. Will the bond with the fox teach him the true meaning of freedom?

By Betsy Byars

Published: 1981

""Sometimes, we find ourselves in unexpected places, and it is in those moments that we discover who we truly are.""

The Midnight FoxBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Tom hates having to spend the summer on a farm . . . until he discovers the midnight fox. No one asked Tom how he felt about spending two months on his Aunt Millie’s farm. For a city boy, the farm holds countless terrors—stampeding baby lambs, boy-chasing chickens, and worst of all, loneliness. But everything changes when Tom sees the midnight fox. He can spend hours watching the graceful black fox in the woods. And when her life—and that of her cub—is in danger, Tom knows exactly what he must do. “An exceptional book.”—Booklist A Library of Congress Children’s Book of the Year

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Midnight Fox

About the Author

B

Betsy Byars

Betsy Byars is an accomplished American author known for her contributions to children's literature. Born on August 7, 1928, Byars has written over forty books, many of which have received critical acclaim and prestigious awards. Among her most notable works are 'The Summer of the Swans,' which won the Newbery Medal, and 'The Midnight Fox.' Her writing style is characterized by its gentle humor, relatable characters, and themes of family and friendship, making her stories resonate with young readers.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Betsy Byars
Published
July 1981
Publisher
Penguin
ISBN
0140314504
Language
English
Pages
145
Genres
Adventure Stories for KidsFictionAnimal StoriesEarly Readers

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

SapiensBook binding

Sapiens

Yuval Noah Harari

We're Going to Need More WineBook binding

We're Going to Need More Wine

Gabrielle Union

The Code Book: The Secrets Behind CodebreakingBook binding

The Code Book: The Secrets Behind Codebreaking

Simon Singh

TitanBook binding

Titan

Ron Chernow

Where the Wild Things AreBook binding

Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak

The IliadBook binding

The Iliad

Homer

Just the Funny PartsBook binding

Just the Funny Parts

Nell Scovell

This Is Your Brain on MusicBook binding

This Is Your Brain on Music

Daniel J. Levitin

Hope for the FlowersBook binding

Hope for the Flowers

A Wrinkle in TimeBook binding

A Wrinkle in Time

Madeleine L'Engle

Because of Winn-DixieBook binding

Because of Winn-Dixie

Kate DiCamillo

LentilBook binding

Lentil

Robert McCloskey

The Story of BabarBook binding

The Story of Babar

Jean De Brunhoff

The Golden Trade of the MoorsBook binding

The Golden Trade of the Moors

E. W. Bovill

Early Middle English LiteratureBook binding

Early Middle English Literature

Richard Middlewood Wilson

MatildaBook binding

Matilda

Roald Dahl

The Examined Life: How We Lose and Find OurselvesBook binding

The Examined Life: How We Lose and Find Ourselves

Stephen Grosz

Then They Came For MeBook binding

Then They Came For Me

Maziar Bahari

Golden ChildBook binding

Golden Child

Claire Adam

Paths to Wealth Through Common StocksBook binding

Paths to Wealth Through Common Stocks

Philip A. Fisher

The Velveteen RabbitBook binding

The Velveteen Rabbit

Margery Williams

Battle Cry of FreedomBook binding

Battle Cry of Freedom

James M. McPherson

Harriet the SpyBook binding

Harriet the Spy

Louise Fitzhugh

A Splendid ExchangeBook binding

A Splendid Exchange

William J. Bernstein

Winnie-the-PoohBook binding

Winnie-the-Pooh

A. A. Milne

The Path of PurificationBook binding

The Path of Purification

Buddhaghosa

The Forge and the CrucibleBook binding

The Forge and the Crucible

Mircea Eliade

FaithBook binding

Faith

Sharon Salzberg

The Great RevoltBook binding

The Great Revolt

Salena Zito, Brad Todd

Oranges are Not the Only FruitBook binding

Oranges are Not the Only Fruit

Kathryn Simpson

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Paul Graham's Book Recommendations

Paul Graham's Book Recommendations

Paul Graham is a prominent programmer, venture capitalist, and essayist known for his influential work in the tech startup ecosystem. He co-founded Viaweb, one of the first web-based applications, which was later acquired by Yahoo! and became Yahoo! Store. As a co-founder of Y Combinator, Graham has been instrumental in funding and mentoring numerous successful startups, including Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit. His essays, collected in books such as "Hackers & Painters," offer profound insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and philosophy, making significant contributions to modern literature on these subjects. Graham's blend of technical expertise and thought leadership has made him a pivotal figure in both the tech and literary communities.

View Collection
Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman's Book Recommendations

Alex Lieberman is the co-founder and executive chairman of Morning Brew, a media company that delivers engaging business news. Under his leadership, Morning Brew has grown to reach millions of subscribers, becoming a significant player in modern business journalism. Lieberman is also known for his insightful commentary on entrepreneurship and media trends. His work has significantly influenced the way business news is consumed by younger audiences. Beyond Morning Brew, Lieberman frequently writes and speaks about the intersection of media and technology, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the industry.

View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations

Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.

View Collection
Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations

Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations

Oprah Winfrey is a globally renowned media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist. She gained fame through her groundbreaking talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which ran for 25 years and became one of the highest-rated programs in television history. Winfrey has significantly impacted literature through her influential book club, Oprah's Book Club, which has propelled numerous books to bestseller status and fostered a love of reading across diverse audiences. She is also the author of several books, including her memoir "The Life You Want," and has contributed to numerous inspirational and self-help publications. Beyond her literary contributions, Winfrey has been a powerful advocate for education and empowerment, founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

View Collection
Michelle Obama's Book Recommendations

Michelle Obama's Book Recommendations

Michelle Obama is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. She is widely recognized for her advocacy on issues such as education, military families, healthy eating, and poverty awareness. Her memoir, "Becoming," published in 2018, has been a global bestseller and acclaimed for its insightful and inspiring narrative. Michelle Obama has also launched initiatives like "Let’s Move!" to combat childhood obesity and the "Reach Higher" campaign to encourage higher education. Her work continues to influence and empower millions around the world.

View Collection
Hillary Clinton's Book Recommendations

Hillary Clinton's Book Recommendations

Hillary Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, and former First Lady of the United States, who served as U.S. Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013. Clinton was the Democratic nominee for president in 2016, becoming the first woman to win the nomination of a major U.S. political party. Throughout her career, Clinton has been a strong advocate for women’s rights, healthcare reform, and human rights. She is also the author of several books, including What Happened, which chronicles her 2016 presidential campaign. Clinton’s impact on American politics, particularly as a champion for gender equality and social justice, remains significant.

View Collection
Ellen DeGeneres's Book Recommendations

Ellen DeGeneres's Book Recommendations

Ellen DeGeneres is an acclaimed American comedian, television host, actress, and writer. She gained immense popularity with her Emmy-winning daytime talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which debuted in 2003 and ran for 19 successful seasons. In the literary world, DeGeneres has authored several bestselling books, including "My Point... And I Do Have One" and "Seriously... I'm Kidding," which showcase her signature humor and candid storytelling. Her work has significantly contributed to discussions on LGBTQ+ issues, especially following her historic coming out in 1997. DeGeneres is also known for her philanthropic efforts, frequently using her platform to support various charitable causes.

View Collection
Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations

Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations

Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, author, and YouTuber known for his engaging content on personal development and effective study techniques. A former doctor, Abdaal transitioned from his medical career to focus on sharing insights through his popular YouTube channel, which has amassed millions of subscribers. He is the author of "YouTube for Doctors," where he explores the intersection of medicine and digital content creation. Abdaal's work is celebrated for its practical advice, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes to help individuals optimize their lives. His contributions have significantly influenced the productivity and self-improvement community, making him a respected voice in the field.

View Collection
Ben Affleck's Book Recommendations

Ben Affleck's Book Recommendations

Ben Affleck is an acclaimed American actor, director, and screenwriter, noted for his significant contributions to film and literature. He achieved early acclaim with his co-writing and starring role in "Good Will Hunting" (1997), which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay alongside Matt Damon. Affleck further showcased his directorial prowess with the critically acclaimed film "Argo" (2012), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His work often explores complex characters and social issues, making a substantial impact on contemporary storytelling. Additionally, Affleck has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, using his platform to support numerous charitable causes.

View Collection
Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr is an American comedian, actor, and podcaster, known for his biting, no-nonsense style of humor that often tackles controversial topics with sharp wit. Burr has released several successful stand-up specials, including Paper Tiger and Walk Your Way Out, and is the co-creator of the animated sitcom F Is for Family. He also hosts the Monday Morning Podcast, where he shares his unfiltered thoughts on everything from current events to personal stories. Burr’s honest, raw comedic style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and has made him one of the most respected comedians in the industry.

View Collection

"Sometimes, we find ourselves in unexpected places, and it is in those moments that we discover who we truly are."

The Midnight Fox

By Betsy Byars

Frequently Asked Questions