Timber Wolf

Greener Grass #3

by Caroline Pignat

The third book in the series follows the adventures of Jack Byrne, brother of Kit, as he seeks independence from his sister in the lumber camps. Jack works as a cook's helper but is always yearning for the glory of working with the loggers. Full of confidence, the inexperienced Jack tries his hand at logging only to have his attempts end in a tragic accident for himself and another logger. Circumstances soon find Jack alone and injured in the wilderness. Memories of his past come rushing in as he struggles to survive his guilt over his past and survive the hardship of the woods with only a stray wolf cub for a companion. Jack comes to understand that he must own up to all of his past mistakes if he truly wants to become the strong man he yearns to be.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Teen

214 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2011

About the author

Caroline Pignat is the two-time Governor Generalʼs Award winning author of highly acclaimed young adult novels. Her historical fiction, contemporary, and free verse novels use multiple points of view and varied forms to engage readers of all ages.

As a Writer's Craft student, Caroline wrote a short story that years later became Greener Grass, the first of a critically acclaimed series, and went on to win her first Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature in 2009.

A teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, Caroline has taught elementary, intermediate and high school students. She spends her mornings teaching grade 12 Writer’s Craft and her afternoons working with students in Writing Workshops and Author Visits, or deep in her next work-in-progress.

A confident and inspiring speaker, Caroline has presented to students and educators; to historical societies and library groups; and at writing conferences such as: MASC, CANSCAIP, and SCBWI. In 2012, she was one of 12 Canadian authors chosen to tour with TD Book Week.

Recipient of two Red Maple Honour Book Awards and the Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year Honour Book, Caroline has been shortlisted for many others including: the CLA Book of the Year, three Geoffrey Bilson Awards for Historical Fiction, and the IODE Violet Downey Book Award.

Born in Ireland, she grew up in Ottawa where she lives with her family.

Reviews

[Elameno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not quite what it seems, which disappointed me at first. While the summary here on goodreads is less misleading (and perhaps even spoiler-y), based on the cover art and the blurb on the back, this book came across as a historical survival story reminiscent of Hatchet. It's not--but it's still wonderful.

What surprised me most about this book is that Jack is not alone in the woods. For a good portion of the novel he is in the company of an Anishnaabe grandfather and grandson. The competition and animosity between Jack and the grandson, and the culture clash between Jack and the Anishnaabe in general, makes for an interesting backdrop for him to work at remembering who he is. The Anishnaabe culture is used throughout the book in wonderfully engaging ways. The scenes with the Windigo were more than I could have hoped for--a unlooked for delight, and absolutely bone-chilling terrifying. That part will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Don't be afraid to read this book if you haven't read the others in the series. I read this book with no knowledge of the other stand-alones in the series, which I think gave me a better reading experience overall. Because main character suffers from amnesia for a large portion of the novel, my lack of familiarity with his family's story gave a greater feeling of suspense that I might not have had otherwise.

I think this book is ideal for middle schoolers, but in general I'd recommend it for anyone ages 12 and up.

[Taylor Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow
I found this book by pure luck
But what a story of survival and persistence!
The author makes you feel like you’re a part of the book and you feel connected to the charters
I loved it
Highly recommend
Read while at work on the Damia Desgagnes

[Jo Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

When young Jack Byrne wakes alone in the snow, he can’t even remember his name. He is badly injured, lost deep in the northern Canadian wilderness, and all he has is a pocket knife. That knife saves his life when he finds a snared rabbit and starts a fire with a flint. It also provides the only link to Jack’s past, for he remembers his father giving him that knife. Jack is assisted in his struggle to survive by a pair of Algonquin Indians, though the relationship is difficult. And why does a wolf cub keep following Jack?

Timber Wolf is third in an award-winning YA series about the Byrne family, but this intriguing tale stands well on its own. Pignat presents us with a world stripped to its bones by winter, in which both her readers and Jack must figure out who is friend and who is foe. When Jack’s memories begin to return, he realizes that it is his own folly which led to his abandonment. He also forges a friendship with the Algonquins. They have saved his life, but Jack must come to grips with his mistakes and guilt before he can remember who he really is and find his way home.

[Rachel Seigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third stand-alone book in the series that began with "Greener Grass" is not quite as compelling as the first two, but Jack's story will keep readers engaged. The book will tie in nicely with units on Aboriginal studies, and will encourage readers to consider the way we regard animals and respect for the land and the environment.

[Kayla Whitehurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a few other people mentioned this is definitely presented as more of a survival book than it is. That being said, it is a really compelling story and surprisingly deep for its length. I had no knowledge of the other books, which only made certain elements such as whether the Skinner was actually his dad more interesting. Certainly worth a read.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came into the series at the 3rd book so it was a little hard to catch up but I ended up getting the whole story. Good series for fans of man vs. nature and historical fiction. Give the series to your Hatchet fans.

[Kathie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand why this book has received acclaim, and it's well written, but I just didn't find it spoke to me.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! It is well written, entertaining and teaches what life was like in the time. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale!