A school like no other, where an "ordinary" boy proves how extraordinary he is. Unlike his sisters, Danny Chandelier isn't brainy, good-looking or athletic. That's why when his parents discover a boarding school where "being not so good will finally be good enough," they pack him off to Lily Brook in Poplovastan. On arrival, Danny discovers there is no school -- only a compound with windowless buildings. There are whispers about a ghost, meals of leftover scraps, and endless days spent cutting a path through a magical forest... a forest that fights back. When a new friend disappears into those woods, Danny goes after him. There, he discovers unexpected wonders: wishing wells, magic spells and volcanoes that erupt lost children. Poplovastan turns out to be one extraordinary place, where Danny thrives in a not-so-ordinary way. Using his ingenuity, he manages to rescue from the forest prison not only his friend, but also all the other young captives. Readers will thrill and laugh their way through this funny and ironic coming-of-age story that pulsates with action.