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Little Hawk and the Lone Wolf: A Memoir
"Little Hawk" was born Raymond Kaquatosh in 1924 on Wisconsin's Menominee Reservation. The son of a medicine woman, Ray spent his Depression-era boyhood immersed in the beauty of the natural world and the traditions of his tribe and his family.
After his father's death, eight-year-old Ray was sent to an Indian boarding school in Keshena. There he experienced isolation and despair, but also comfort and kindness. Upon his return home, Ray remained a lonely boy in a full house until he met and befriended a lone timber wolf. The unusual bond they formed would last through both their lifetimes. As Ray grew into a young man, he left the reservation more frequently. Yet whenever he returned--from school and work, from service in the Marines, and finally from postwar Wausau with his future wife--the wolf waited.
In this rare first-person narrative of a Menominee Indian's coming of age, Raymond Kaquatosh shares a story that is wise and irreverent, often funny, and in the end, deeply moving.
After his father's death, eight-year-old Ray was sent to an Indian boarding school in Keshena. There he experienced isolation and despair, but also comfort and kindness. Upon his return home, Ray remained a lonely boy in a full house until he met and befriended a lone timber wolf. The unusual bond they formed would last through both their lifetimes. As Ray grew into a young man, he left the reservation more frequently. Yet whenever he returned--from school and work, from service in the Marines, and finally from postwar Wausau with his future wife--the wolf waited.
In this rare first-person narrative of a Menominee Indian's coming of age, Raymond Kaquatosh shares a story that is wise and irreverent, often funny, and in the end, deeply moving.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 8, 2021
I’m growing more fond of the Wisconsin Historical Press all the time. They’ve published many singular stories, including this simple biography of a member of the Menominee tribe who attended a catholic school, adopted a lone wolf for a pet, and survived life as a marine in WWII. I enjoyed Ray’s way of using charm to win over a wolf, win friends in the service, and win the love of several women before he met his wife Elaine. I imagine Ray’s stories are even better told in person!
December 14, 2021
Listened to twice now on chapter a day. 2021 listened again.
December 3, 2018
An interesting coming of age story taking place in Wisconsin and during World War II, I think the title and description make it sound like the bulk of the story is about his relationship with his wolf, but that's more the overarching theme that links the story together. I enjoyed listening to this on Chapter a Day, as I don't think I would have picked it up otherwise, some sweet and humorous moments.
CW: Animal death (multiple animals)
CW: Animal death (multiple animals)
November 26, 2024
Ebook, Libby app 4.5*
Read in one day. A quick and easy memoir of a Wisconsin Menominee boy through early adulthood, spanning the Great Depression through the Korean War.
Read for Mil-book-ee book club, where his great grand-daughter came to go to the book discussion.
Read in one day. A quick and easy memoir of a Wisconsin Menominee boy through early adulthood, spanning the Great Depression through the Korean War.
Read for Mil-book-ee book club, where his great grand-daughter came to go to the book discussion.
December 26, 2014
Books chronicling great lives and momentous events often dominate our literary selections but sometimes we just want to read an account of a life that, though ordinary to the author who lived it, is fascinatingly different from our own. “Little Hawk and the Lone Wolf” is one such refreshing diversion.
Author Raymond Kaquatosh was born on the Menoninee Reservation northwest of Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1924. He writes of growing up during the Depression with no running water, Model T Fords and a 1929 Chevy, the death of his father, a friendly encounter with John Dillinger, boarding at the Indian schools and his long time relationship with Kernel, his pet wolf.
Kernel is central character in the book. A missed shot by the boy and a withheld attack by the lone wolf opened the door to a gift of food, a building trust and a relationship that would benefit both. Kernel would protect Ray who would in turn stand up for his pet.
Boys do grow up and Ray found life beyond the reservation. Although by today’s standards an underage driver, the enterprising young Indian bought a car and became an informal taxi driver for lumberjacks working in the area. The coming of war opened new opportunities for Ray who joined the Marines. His status as an Indian made him a target of animosity and forced “volunteering” and got him into plenty of scrapes in which he distinguished himself and after which he never ratted on his opponents, some of whom he later befriended. The sections about his time in the South Pacific, including fighting on Peleliu,, are among the most interesting combat veteran accounts that I have found. Like many young men of his day he had his share of romantic delights and disappointments before finding the “right one.” This determined man would become one of the first Menominee to earn a pilot’s license.
This book consists of a series of chronologically sequenced anecdotes that tell his saga. It is a quick and easy read. I would describe Kaquatosh’s writing style as charmingly amateurish. Amateurish because, although it employs proper grammar, it lacks the polish found in many books written “by X with Y”. Charming, because you get the idea that this is really Ray’s story in his own words. The reader comes to appreciate the influences of Indian and Christian spirituality, the author’s path through Native and White cultures and admire his spirit as he makes his way in the world. This is no scandal sheet in which he claims abuse and unloads a lifetime of resentment. It is a memoir strong of a man who “took the blows and did it my way.”
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
Author Raymond Kaquatosh was born on the Menoninee Reservation northwest of Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1924. He writes of growing up during the Depression with no running water, Model T Fords and a 1929 Chevy, the death of his father, a friendly encounter with John Dillinger, boarding at the Indian schools and his long time relationship with Kernel, his pet wolf.
Kernel is central character in the book. A missed shot by the boy and a withheld attack by the lone wolf opened the door to a gift of food, a building trust and a relationship that would benefit both. Kernel would protect Ray who would in turn stand up for his pet.
Boys do grow up and Ray found life beyond the reservation. Although by today’s standards an underage driver, the enterprising young Indian bought a car and became an informal taxi driver for lumberjacks working in the area. The coming of war opened new opportunities for Ray who joined the Marines. His status as an Indian made him a target of animosity and forced “volunteering” and got him into plenty of scrapes in which he distinguished himself and after which he never ratted on his opponents, some of whom he later befriended. The sections about his time in the South Pacific, including fighting on Peleliu,, are among the most interesting combat veteran accounts that I have found. Like many young men of his day he had his share of romantic delights and disappointments before finding the “right one.” This determined man would become one of the first Menominee to earn a pilot’s license.
This book consists of a series of chronologically sequenced anecdotes that tell his saga. It is a quick and easy read. I would describe Kaquatosh’s writing style as charmingly amateurish. Amateurish because, although it employs proper grammar, it lacks the polish found in many books written “by X with Y”. Charming, because you get the idea that this is really Ray’s story in his own words. The reader comes to appreciate the influences of Indian and Christian spirituality, the author’s path through Native and White cultures and admire his spirit as he makes his way in the world. This is no scandal sheet in which he claims abuse and unloads a lifetime of resentment. It is a memoir strong of a man who “took the blows and did it my way.”
I did receive a free copy of this book for review.
November 2, 2016
I enjoyed the book, the perspective was interesting. But after awhile, I got tired of hearing about how wonderful he was. I thought it would have been a stronger book if he had gone into more detail about how his brothers got the way they were, or why he was different. Also, what happened to his sister? A wider cultural perspective than his narrow "here's how great I am".
November 9, 2020
Member of the Menomonie tribe, Raymond C. Kaquatosh recalls his many memories of growing up in his memoir "Little Hawk and the Lone Wolf."
Kaquatosh recalls growing up Indian during the Great Depression and an encounter with Dillinger. In 1933, as a young boy he was sent to a boarding school, and as a young adult he joined the US Marines. Throughout the book he remembers a wolf he had befriended as a child and who was always there for him when he returned to the reservation.
There are elements of his culture and beliefs throughout, and he explains them all for those readers unfamiliar with the ways of the culture. The thoughts of a young boy in a new environment are portrayed perfectly through the writing, and some topics that to adults might seem heavy didn't leave me feeling that way when I read it because I read it with a childlike innocence.
"It was hard to believe this magnificent animal was my friend. He embodied the Indian spirit of freedom - he roamed the territory and also displayed aloofness. We had something else in common: we were both lone wolves."
Kaquatosh recalls growing up Indian during the Great Depression and an encounter with Dillinger. In 1933, as a young boy he was sent to a boarding school, and as a young adult he joined the US Marines. Throughout the book he remembers a wolf he had befriended as a child and who was always there for him when he returned to the reservation.
There are elements of his culture and beliefs throughout, and he explains them all for those readers unfamiliar with the ways of the culture. The thoughts of a young boy in a new environment are portrayed perfectly through the writing, and some topics that to adults might seem heavy didn't leave me feeling that way when I read it because I read it with a childlike innocence.
"It was hard to believe this magnificent animal was my friend. He embodied the Indian spirit of freedom - he roamed the territory and also displayed aloofness. We had something else in common: we were both lone wolves."
December 2, 2018
Five stars for this memoir, a unique personal story told by a very special Native American from the Menominee Reservation in Northeast Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Public Radio's Chapter-a-Day has this book archived for your listening pleasure for this week only.
Though the title of this memoir might lead you to think it is a children's book, it is not, because of some of the content is clearly intended for adults. However, it would be possible to pick and choose the appropriate sections for a young reader/listener.
Ray C. Kaquatosh died in April, 2018 at the age of 93. He was a World War II veteran who lived a very intriguing life on and off the reservation.
Wisconsin Public Radio's Chapter-a-Day has this book archived for your listening pleasure for this week only.
Though the title of this memoir might lead you to think it is a children's book, it is not, because of some of the content is clearly intended for adults. However, it would be possible to pick and choose the appropriate sections for a young reader/listener.
Ray C. Kaquatosh died in April, 2018 at the age of 93. He was a World War II veteran who lived a very intriguing life on and off the reservation.
April 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this memoir. Ray was born within days of my dad's birthday in 1924. So interesting to read of his childhood and early adulthood. He dealt with the racism he was subjected to as a Native American on so many levels. So interesting to read of his childhood adventures on the reservation which is just miles from where I now live, his references to the roads I drive and the cities of Shawano and Antigo. His relationship with the wolf is remarkable. So many life lessons he expresses in his writing, particularly Chapter 14. The simple beauty and honesty of his writing is refreshing. Highly recommend this!
March 28, 2023
I feel like this Memoir could of been split into two different stories. A childrens adventure book and a war story. I really liked the book but the ending came a little too quick and I was wanting more of his life story after the marraige of his wife.
His life on the reservation reminds me of stories my grandfather told me of when he was a boy living on a farm. Ray had a truly great life story to tell, I bet he told family stories over and over again just like my grandfather does.
When I see a hawk circling the feild by my home it might just be Ray flying into the great hunting ground above. I wish that for my grandfather too he loved to fish and hunt in nature just like Ray.
His life on the reservation reminds me of stories my grandfather told me of when he was a boy living on a farm. Ray had a truly great life story to tell, I bet he told family stories over and over again just like my grandfather does.
When I see a hawk circling the feild by my home it might just be Ray flying into the great hunting ground above. I wish that for my grandfather too he loved to fish and hunt in nature just like Ray.
March 16, 2022
This book reads almost like a relative is telling you a collection of their life stories. While humourous and diverse these stories don't really have an overarching narrative message, but are rather the story of a life well lived which focuses mostly on the highs while still acknowledging the lows, though not dwelling on them. I think readers will find this story most interesting if they connect with it personally. This is a story about Wisconsin, growing up during the depression on a reservation with a pet wolf, and serving in the Marines in the South Pacific during WWII.
May 22, 2019
A quick read - could be a young adult book. I found that I wanted more detail about Raymond's life. He certainly endured difficult times that were made harder than needed due to overt racism, but he had wit and humor and intelligence to carry him forward.
Page 272: "Prejudice is not uncommon in our society. It's prevalent among the lower social stratification - or should I say, the uneducated, the misinformed, the ignorant." Powerful and insightful words that ring true.
Page 272: "Prejudice is not uncommon in our society. It's prevalent among the lower social stratification - or should I say, the uneducated, the misinformed, the ignorant." Powerful and insightful words that ring true.
June 29, 2019
I enjoyed Ray's sense of humor and learning what it was like to grow up on the reservation. I found it more moving as Ray grew up and became a man, making choices that distinguished him from his brothers who faced their own challenges. I finished it in a coffee shop and found myself battling tears, because he expressed the ending very eloquently and, of course, because I am deeply fond of wolves myself.
May 13, 2022
I caught the second to last chapter of this on chapter a day and was hooked enough to check it out on my own. Memoir of Ray Kaquatosh, growing up on the Menominee Indian Reservation during the depression. Tales of attending Menominee Biarding School at Keshna, serving in the Marines during WWII and the Korean War, raising his "lone wolf", and finding love. Told in a much more light hearted and positive way than I'm sure that occurred. Great to hear Wisconsin stories!
July 11, 2023
I decided to read this after our College of Menominee Book Circle discussion about another book. As we live in Menominee County which is also the reservation and I know that area well plus attend the Catholic Church that he mentions and lived at the old boarding school, I found it very interesting.
September 20, 2024
Writing is quaint and honest. His relationship with the wolf is tender and meaningful. I am just not crazy about the fight and drinking scenes. The racism is sad. But it his memoir and it is brave to share your story with the universe. The beautiful Native American ways of his mother were meaningful.
August 26, 2025
Read in one sitting.
I knew it was coming but still wasn’t prepared for it. I rarely read memoirs and this one made me cry my eyes out at end. Kaquatosh is a great writer.
Book was gifted to my aunt and then to me in memory of my grandparents.
“When my last breath is taken, I will be with my wolf again.”
I knew it was coming but still wasn’t prepared for it. I rarely read memoirs and this one made me cry my eyes out at end. Kaquatosh is a great writer.
Book was gifted to my aunt and then to me in memory of my grandparents.
“When my last breath is taken, I will be with my wolf again.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
An interesting memoir of life on the Menomonie reservation in Wisconsin and coming of age during two wars. The story of a common man who happens to be Indian and some of the issues he had to deal with in his early life.
January 3, 2019
very enjoyable read did not want the book to end
January 12, 2019
very good content and info, but very poorly written.
February 13, 2019
A memoir, an autobiography of a young Menomonee, born in 1924 in Neopit, Wisconsin, served as a Marine during WWII and Korea and in the process of it all made the most of life. It is a good read!
October 18, 2020
Interesting memoir of the life of a Native American Wisconsinite
December 1, 2021
The author as a boy tamed a wild wolf! My favorite part of an interesting story.
August 29, 2024
Excellent memoir involving the Indian boarding school era, WWII and the post-war era in Wisconsin.
Very emotional, very moving.
Very emotional, very moving.
January 14, 2017
Story of growing up on the res and during World War 2.
December 29, 2020
The story was about a Indian boy and followed him as he grew up. It was well written. It keep your attention and wanting to continue reading.
October 22, 2019
This book is about a boy named Ray, where he grew up on an Indian reservation in the early 1900s. I read this book because I wanted to learn a different perspective about people's lives in the Great Depression Age. I liked this book because it showed me a different culture's perspective of a low economic era.
June 19, 2016
This is the true story of Little Hawk, Raymond Kaquatosh. It describes his life from his birth in 1924 through the years following his discharge from the Army. Little Hawk was raised on the Wisconsin Menominee Reservation. His is a story of gratitude.
Raymond Kaquatosh's memoir is a recounting of experiences and life lessons learned.
I liked his reasons for naming his wolf Kernel.
"Now I had to think of a name for him. Corn to the Indian is like bread to the white man--'the staff of life.' When the seed of corn is planted and combines with the Earth, it starts to grow. This wolf was a seed of friendship, so I called him Kernel." (p. 87)
Recurring themes:
-"When life is progressing well, beware of the unexpected." (p. 88)
-"No white man will make me cry."
-"We shall meet again, it's only a matter of time" (p. 15)
What a telling statement!
"Prejudice is not uncommon in our society. It's prevalent among the lower social stratification--or should I say, the undeducated, the misinformed, the ignorant." (p. 247)
Though the author said that no white man would make him cry, the following passage brought tears to this white woman's eyes.
"We cannot be in the past or the future. We must accept life as it is and never complain about trivial things. There is so much to do and so little time. When my last breath is taken. I will be with my wolf again. Then we will be at peace forever and roam the heavens for all etermity." (p. 257)
This is a very spiritual book. I felt like Raymond's Indian heritage demonstrated the life lessons taught by Deepak Chopra. Raymond's actions teach us to let go of the past, stop worrying about the future, and to live in the moment. Moreover, his memoir is an amazing treatise on gratitude. This was a great read!
Raymond Kaquatosh's memoir is a recounting of experiences and life lessons learned.
I liked his reasons for naming his wolf Kernel.
"Now I had to think of a name for him. Corn to the Indian is like bread to the white man--'the staff of life.' When the seed of corn is planted and combines with the Earth, it starts to grow. This wolf was a seed of friendship, so I called him Kernel." (p. 87)
Recurring themes:
-"When life is progressing well, beware of the unexpected." (p. 88)
-"No white man will make me cry."
-"We shall meet again, it's only a matter of time" (p. 15)
What a telling statement!
"Prejudice is not uncommon in our society. It's prevalent among the lower social stratification--or should I say, the undeducated, the misinformed, the ignorant." (p. 247)
Though the author said that no white man would make him cry, the following passage brought tears to this white woman's eyes.
"We cannot be in the past or the future. We must accept life as it is and never complain about trivial things. There is so much to do and so little time. When my last breath is taken. I will be with my wolf again. Then we will be at peace forever and roam the heavens for all etermity." (p. 257)
This is a very spiritual book. I felt like Raymond's Indian heritage demonstrated the life lessons taught by Deepak Chopra. Raymond's actions teach us to let go of the past, stop worrying about the future, and to live in the moment. Moreover, his memoir is an amazing treatise on gratitude. This was a great read!
March 4, 2024
Recently, I have become more and more intrigued in Native American history. In part, this is because my husband is Native American and that alone sparked my interest in learning more. I absolutely loved this memoir, and I could not wait to get my hands on a copy of it.
This story is told by the author, Raymond C. Kaquatosh, who I find to be a hero. Mr. Kaquatosh was from the Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin: this made his story even more personal for me, as I have been living in Wisconsin for the past nine (9) years. This story is a coming-of-age that took place around World War II, and covers Mr. Kaquatosh's childhood and early adult life. Reading this book, it still shakes me to my core the amount of racism that used to exist in this country, and how Native Americans were subject to the racism day-in and day-out. The relationship that Mr. Kaquatosh shared with his wolf is unimaginable and absolutely beautiful, and left me teary-eyed. I was sad to learn that Mr. Kaquatosh died in 2018, because I was so inspired by his story!
5/5 Stars: I absolutely loved this book, Mr. Kaquatosh left no stone unturned. I loved his writing style and loved that he was able to share his story with me as a reader. I also loved that I was able to reference the cities, and setting of his story, as I have travelled through many of the areas that Mr. Kaquatosh speaks about in his book. If you are looking for a coming-of-age novel, and something to inspire you: I would highly recommend this book!
This story is told by the author, Raymond C. Kaquatosh, who I find to be a hero. Mr. Kaquatosh was from the Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin: this made his story even more personal for me, as I have been living in Wisconsin for the past nine (9) years. This story is a coming-of-age that took place around World War II, and covers Mr. Kaquatosh's childhood and early adult life. Reading this book, it still shakes me to my core the amount of racism that used to exist in this country, and how Native Americans were subject to the racism day-in and day-out. The relationship that Mr. Kaquatosh shared with his wolf is unimaginable and absolutely beautiful, and left me teary-eyed. I was sad to learn that Mr. Kaquatosh died in 2018, because I was so inspired by his story!
5/5 Stars: I absolutely loved this book, Mr. Kaquatosh left no stone unturned. I loved his writing style and loved that he was able to share his story with me as a reader. I also loved that I was able to reference the cities, and setting of his story, as I have travelled through many of the areas that Mr. Kaquatosh speaks about in his book. If you are looking for a coming-of-age novel, and something to inspire you: I would highly recommend this book!
December 16, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I wasn't sure what to expect since this isn't typically the sort of genre that peaks my interest, but something about this book intrigued me and I entered the giveaway. I'm really glad that I did. Raymond tells of his life and the lessons he learned growing up. It provides a lot of wisdom and once the wolf is introduced there is something enchanted about the friendship as it is described. I felt as if I was a kid again, listening to my father tell stories about his life, and give advice. It was also interesting to draw parallels with the life my father described and the one Raymond does since my dad was born just a couple of years earlier, but came from a very different culture. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews