Wolf Club

by James Bird

The Breakfast Club meets Hatchet in this middle-grade novel about three kids who ditch detention to search for an elusive white wolf, who may have the magical powers they need to face their challenges and heal their hearts.

What do a raccoon, a skunk, and a moose have in common?


Okan, the raccoon, is a 13 year old whose mom works so hard he never sees her.


Sara, the skunk, has been teased relentlessly about her body odor ever since her mom died.


And Marcus, the moose, is the bully, the rich kid who seems to have everything, except his parents’ love.


When they hear a white wolf has been spotted in the nearby forest, this unlikely trio heads out on a quest that turns into an adventure of a lifetime.

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Realistic Fiction, Animals, Family, Action, Young Adult

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

There is more than one author in the Goodreads catalog with this name. This entry is for James ^2 Bird.

James Bird is a screenwriter and director at the independent film company, Zombot Pictures; his films include We Are Boats and Honeyglue. A California native of Ojibwe descent, he now lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts with his wife, the author and actor Adriana Mather, and their son. The Brave is his debut novel.

Reviews

[Patti Sabik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the adventure, characters, and message. Although the combination of the kids seemed a bit contrived, I did appreciate how they all came to respect and like each other for themselves rather than their circumstances.

[Brianna bribookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

I’m behind on my arcs unfortunately. I originally requested this arc to stay on top of some of the middle grade releases so I can recommend to my 4th graders. Despite this being an amazing book with amazing representation, this unfortunately isn’t a book I can recommend to them due to some adult language from time to time. I think this would be fantastic for middle grade and up.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

**Spoilers in weaknesses.**

When a white wolf is sighted in Grand Marais, Minnesota, Okan and his best friend Sara, are determined to find it, especially since Okan's grandmother wants him to protect it. Both have difficult lives. Okan's father abandoned his mother, and his Ojibwe grandmother helped raise him, but now she is sinking deeper and deeper into dementia. Sara's mother has died, and her father is not taking good care of her, so she has gained the nickname "Skunk" because she is not being kept clean. One of her worst tormentors is the school bully, Marcus, a rich kid with uncaring parents. When Okan and Sara skip school to go find the wolf, Marcus, who doesn't like to be called Moose, goes along with them as the "Wolf Club". Marcus and Okan used to be friends, but Marcus' parents didn't want him hanging around with a Native child. The three have quite an adventure in the woods, with a bear threatening them but only licking them, having to go swimming in the cold water, and having Marcus captured and threatened by two men who are also trying to find the wolf. Okan and Sara trick the men into carrying poison ivy, which eventually ends in them being arrested. After there is a radio announcement about missing kids, the three find the cabin of Mr. Goodman, who was a friend of Okan's grandmother, and find out the truth about the wolf. Sara and Okan also find out the truth about their own situations, but knowing the truth helps them to better their lives.
Strengths: There are a lot of middle grade books that address the fact that we should "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle", and this is certainly one. Even Marcus, the rich kid who is rather unpleasant, has things in his part that make him the way he is. The idea of a quest in the woods is always intriguing, and having disparate characters have to work together leads to an interesting story. I don't want to spoil the mystery of the white wolf, but I was not expecting the twist at the end!
Weaknesses: Poison ivy does not immediately take effect and make one itch. It takes at least four hours; my mother always had us wash with Fels Naptha soap after gardening to get the oils off our skin, and we never got a rash. For sensitive readers, it is important to know that Sara's father has died and is still in the house, which is why she has smelled bad for quite some time.
What I really think: This is mainly a realistic fiction book (as long as you can believe the bear licks the children) with an adventure that reveals secrets about the characters, like Anderson's Ms. Bixby's Last Day or Korman's The Fort. I wouldn't necessarily describe it as "The Breakfast Club meets Hatchet", but that's certainly evocative to teachers and librarians of a certain age.

[Sally Kruger]

In WOLF CLUB readers will join a group of three misfits as they set off on a quest to find a white wolf that has caused their community to go on high alert. The three are not normally friends, but working together will help them discover their individual strengths at the same time their weaknesses fade away.

First, there's Okan, known as Raccoon. He is a target for bullies. His gimpy walk and his thrift shop clothes make him the perfect mark, especially for the rich kids. He wishes his mother didn't have to work so hard so they could spend more time together.

Next is Sarah, or Skunk. Her odor has earned her the nickname Skunk. No one knows why she smells so bad, and if anyone asks, they soon regret it. She misses her dead mother and wishes her father wasn't hidden away in his depression.

Marcus, known as Moose, has rich parents, but living in a mansion and having everything doesn't mean his parents show him the love he craves.

When Raccoon hears about the white wolf, he is determined to find it. He enlists the help of Skunk who insists the wolf can solve all her problems, and Moose who basically just comes alone without much of an invitation. What follows is an entertaining adventure. The three adventurers will learn new things about each other and themselves.

Using the backdrop of Native American culture, author James Bird weaves a tale that is sure to capture the hearts and minds of middle grade readers everywhere.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Okan is an Ojibwe boy who rarely sees his mom because she works so much. His beloved gran also lives with them but she is slipping away to dementia after the loss of her husband. Sarah is biracial: Ojibwe & white. A bully has nicknamed her Skunk because she smells. Sarah's mom is gone, her dad is depressed and they have no power -it's hard to stay clean. Marcus, nicknamed Moose is the school rich boy and bully. He and Okan used to be friends until his parents said he couldn't play with an Indigenous boy any more. When news reports go out about a rare white wolf spotted in their Minnesota woods, this unlikely threesome sets off in search of it.
I appreciated this look into Ojibwe culture, especially the use of medicine cards. It is also one of those books where you learn that everyone is going through something, even those who look like they have a great/easy life. The romance aspect was unnecessary although quite benign.
CW: loss of family/death/grieving, prejudice/racism, bullying

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by James Bird. Three kids go on a quest to find a wolf in the mountains. The two boys, Raccoon and Moose, used to be friends but aren’t now. Skunk is Raccoon’s neighbor, and they walk to school together. When Raccoon invites Skunk along he says if we save the wolf he will help us. She goes along and then Moose invites himself. The three slowly begin to get along and talk things out. When they hear there is a search and rescue out for them,Moose leaves and says find the wolf. Do they find the wolf? Will the three now be friends?
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Carlyn Morenus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong middle grade novel, by the author of Th3 Brav3 which was also very good. Great characters, who seem at first an unlikely combination, but as the story progresses it all makes sense. Loved the generous inclusion of Ojibwe customs, lore, beliefs, and language. Sometimes that bogs down a book like this, but James Bird handled it deftly. An exciting adventure story, a moving tale about relationships -- especially loved the main character's relationship with his grandmother -- and much more. Tackles a lot of tough subjects including bullying, addiction, death, but also finds wonder in the world.

[Patrick Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA book published in 2025 follows three misfit middle schoolers (a Native American boy, a half Native American girl that doesn't bathe, and a giant of a boy who comes from a rich family) on a quest to rescue a recently filmed and seen oversized white wolf that sports antlers. It's airing on the news has inspired every hunter for miles to come to town to take it down.

The expected arguments, fights, emotional reveals, friendships made, and happy endings occur. Not bad, just not too engaging for me. Then again, I'm a fifty-nine-year-old middle school teacher that will have this in my class library. I think my students will enjoy it more than I did.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okan is an Ojibwe teen in Minnesota who helps his mom care for his grandmother. His name means “bone” because he was born with a broken hip and walks with a limp. When he ends up in detention with the bully Moose and his neighbor Skunk – so nicknamed for her terrible smell – they learn about a rare white wolf that has been spotted in the forest near their town. The wolf is rumored to have antlers. Okan dreams that he has been called on a quest to find and save the white wolf. When he embarks on the journey, he finds much more than the elusive wolf.

[Andrew Hacket · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of wit, emotion and action, WOLF CLUB, by James Bird, is a must-read. Follow Racoon, Skunk, and Moose, characters who are as complex as they are relatable, as they set off on an adventure that helps them understand themselves and each other in ways they never knew possible. Bird masterfully weaves narrative and emotional arcs that unravel and reveal themselves at just the right moments, making it impossible to put this book down.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Okan's relationship with his grandmother (especially the crows), his interest in the spirit world of his Native American ancestors and their connection to nature (even if he had to wing it for a bit--that's such a kid-centric viewpoint!), and I learned so many Ojibwe words.

This book is full of my favorite things in middle grade: adventure, magic, hope, and a perspective outside my own. I highly recommend!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast, funny, and heartfelt adventure about three misfit kids—Okan, Sara, and Marcus—who leave school to search for a legendary white wolf with antlers. Their quest through the woods is full of danger, humor, and surprising moments of connection. James Bird blends big emotions with big adventure, creating a story about friendship, healing, and finding your pack in the most unexpected places. A good pick for middle grade readers who love quests.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Three kids went on a quest to find a wolf and end up learning more about each other. They learn that you can make it through anything and even when it looks like someone has it all together or has it all; that may not be the case. I also like the Anishinaabe words along with some animal facts.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I loved the idea of these non-friends going on a quest in the woods. The cards and subsequent signs were imaginative. The truth about Sarah's house was shocking and so sad. A constant underlying message in this is that white men are manipulative, evil-doers and Native Americans are wise and honorable. The crow stuff was a bit overkill. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

[Charlie Peters]

Hey there! This is Charlie P. I am eleven years old and I am reading books for charity. I want to help mom’s pick out good books for their kids. Here is another review by me!

This book was very informative about Native Americans culture. The funniest part about this book is how three people came together even when they were nothing alike. Best for ages 10-12.

[Karen Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing adventure between three unlikely companions. With powerful themes like self-identity, family, friendship and trust. The story will surprise at least once, maybe multiple times (depending on how good you are at predictions, but I sure had one thing throw me for a loop!)

[Ally Renell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense story, disguised as a forest quest. Hopeful in spite of a lot of tragedy. The main character is way more self aware than any 13 year boy could be, but it doesn't take away from the overall arc.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The book’s mixture of humor, heart, sad realities, and satisfying outcomes delivers a remarkably readable mystical adventure. Each character, encounter, and movement wonderfully expands this odyssey of understanding and resilience." [Booklist]

[Chari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indigenous characters on an adventure to save a white wolf. Two misfits and a bully who work out the direction and approach to finding the wolf. In the meantime, many wounds are healed and friendships formed. Not my favorite James Bird book but a solid addition to any MG library.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We’ll walk through this storm together. Every step.”

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lessons and symbolism are strong in this book. It may appear as the usual "enemies work together" book, it is not. It does contain that, but also a very unexpected ending.

[Britt Buckenroth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed the hopeful nature of this story despite the harrowing events the characters endure. Unlikely friends form a deep bond and surprise their community. Love this story.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wolf Club wasn't exactly like the Breakfast Club meets Hatchet, but that description urged me to dive in right away. After serving detention for fighting, three 13 year olds with very different home situations embark on a forest adventure to save the recently sighted rare white wolf. While on this mission, these middle school teens overcome some personal challenges and learn to accept each other just as they are. As a veteran middle school teacher, I felt that each character was believable and represents many of the middle school students I serve. I even found myself tearing up at one point thinking about my readers who will enjoy this story.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing part of my brain kept trying to analyze how Bird created such a strong voice in this book. I loved every second of this.