Saving Wolfgang

by Gregor Craigie

When Wolfgang’s father dies, everything changes.


Wolfie and his mother move to Calgary to stay with his grandfather, and Wolfie starts at a new school. Consumed by sadness, his mother stops speaking and rarely comes out of her bedroom. While he tries to adjust to his new life, Wolfie gets to know his grandpa and makes a friend, Jimmy, who introduces him to hockey. Though he misses his father terribly, Wolfgang finds moments of happiness, like when his mom finally emerges from her grief to rejoin the world, and when his grandpa teaches him how to skate. He even gets good enough to join Jimmy's hockey team!


What haunts Wolfgang, though, is that no one will tell him how his father died...until one day he overhears his mom and grandpa say that his father took his own life. Now Wolfie has even more weight to bear—and so many questions. But even in the most difficult times, friendship, hope and hockey keep Wolfie going.


The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Genres: Sports, Canada, Middle Grade, Historical, Grief

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Deena Lipomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Wolfie's dad dies, he and his mom move in with his grandpa, where he learns more about his family, hockey, and what happened to his father. The backdrop of the 1985/1986 Calgary Flames rise to the Stanley Cup gives a historical sporting context for those who follow hockey, which offsets the severe grief the family faces. Grandpa's battle with alcoholism adds more strain to the family, and when Wolfie learns how his dad dies, he becomes overcome with sadness. He makes some new friends at his school and ends up with surprising support. A good book about dealing with sad things and a family's need for resilience.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a boy relocating to a new city in Canada to live with his grandfather. His Mom is wallowing in the grief of his father's death and unable to do anything else. He knows nothing about hockey, but foibles his way through learning the sport. The story unfolds through letters to his Dad. He learns something about his Dad that upsets him and for a bit he stops addressing the notebook entries to him. Hockey brings everyone together in this community. Author note includes his connections to this story as well as encourages kids to get help when in emotional distress.

[Carol Youssif · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not hold back on the heavy topics, but written well for a middle grade audience.
A really great exploration of grief, healing, and friendship. I'd say absolutely perfect for book clubs and classroom read aloud.

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Read by Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I burned through this story about a boy in grade 5 dealing with grief and broken adults while discovering a love for hockey. Great book for middle school, and only 198 pages!