Book Review: A Wolf Called Wander

Middle grade readers who love animals may enjoy this story about a wolf who loses his pack and struggles to survive injury, starvation, men with rifles, and fire, all on his own.

A WOLF CALLED WANDER by Rosanne Parry is a gripping tale of survival that is inspired by a true story. This book includes some illustrations for readers who like a visual context. While the story is not always happy, as things are in nature, this is a story I wanted to read from start to finish. I am particularly impressed by how the author gave enough details for the reader to understand the many wolves in the pack that were lost, the personality of each, and what they meant to Swift.

In spite of the obstacles, Swift is proud of the wolf he is and has hope to lead a pack like his father. Readers cannot help but root for this plucky wolf.

Book Review: Queen of the Sea

History is re-imagined in the graphic novel Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis.

Margaret is an orphan living in a nunnery on an island. Her life is about chores, prayer, and the twice annual arrival of the ship that brings supplies, news from the mainland, and sometimes new visitors. When a regal, cold stranger arrives, things start to change. Margaret learns who Eleanor is and why she is on the island, the sinister truth about the nunnery she calls home, and her own identity.

This is a story that stands out as unique, even among historical fiction, and a delight to read.