The pack belongs to the mountains. The mountains belong to the pack. And the wolf star shines on us all.
Written by Rosanne Perry, Illustrated by Mónica Armiño
Swift is not the largest or strongest pup in his pack, but he loves his home in the mountains and he wants to grow to lead, provide for, and protect the pack just like his mother and father do. When stranger wolves invade their territory, Swift finds himself alone and blocked from his mountain home forever. He wanders far, encountering dangers from men and challenges on the prairie and desert. Will he ever find a mountain home among other wolves again?
This is a dramatic, realistic, and action-packed animal adventure story inspired by the true experience of OR-7, a radio-collared wolf that mysteriously traveled over 1,000 miles across Oregon and Northern California to establish a new wolf pack. The back matter features engaging photos, maps, and other information about OR-7 as well as about wild wolves generally and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest. The frequent illustrations add to mood and experience of reading the book.
I highly recommend this book for young readers who like animals, adventure and survival stories, and even lyrical/poetic writing about nature and the wilderness. Swift’s keen observation and love of the mountains made me want to get out and explore nature myself, and after reading the book I’ve found myself even paying more attention to the animals and plants around my home and in the city.
Reviewed by Joshua Whiting, Library Media Program, Educational Technology Department
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-8
This story is told from the perspective of a newly born wolf pup who grows and learns the way of the wolf pack—leading, following, hunting. A rival pack attacks, kills, and scatters his family. His tale is one of survival and ends with him finding a lone female wolf and starting a pack of his own. Family bonds, the circle of life, and survival are main themes. I really enjoyed the illustrations in the book; I think they are a great addition.
Reviewed by Shelley Francom, Media Clerk, Pioneer Elementary
Rating: ★★★✩✩ (3 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-9
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
Educator’s Guide
Author Website: https://rosanneparry.com/
A Wolf Called Wander
Written by Rosanne Perry, Illustrated by Mónica Armiño
Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers
243 pages
Release Date: May 7, 2019
ISBN: 9780062895936
