A Wolf Called Wander

Voice of the Wilderness #1

by Rosanne Parry, Mónica Armiño (Illustrator)

A New York Times bestseller! “Don’t miss this dazzling tour de force.”—Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal winning author of The One and Only Ivan

This gripping novel about survival and family is based on the real story of one wolf’s incredible journey to find a safe place to call home. Illustrated throughout, this irresistible tale by award-winning author Rosanne Parry is for fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Pax and Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.

Swift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.

Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest. The trip is full of peril, and Swift encounters forest fires, hunters, highways, and hunger before he finds his new home.

Inspired by the extraordinary true story of a wolf named OR-7 (or Journey), this irresistible tale of survival invites readers to experience and imagine what it would be like to be one of the most misunderstood animals on earth. This gripping and appealing novel about family, courage, loyalty, and the natural world is for fans of Fred Gipson’s Old Yeller and Katherine Applegate’s Endling.

Includes black-and-white illustrations throughout and a map as well as information about the real wolf who inspired the novel.

Plus don't miss Rosanne Parry's stand-alone companion novel, A Whale of the Wild.

Genres: Middle Grade, Animals, Fiction, Childrens, Adventure, Audiobook, Wolves

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2019

About the author

Hey there,
I'm the author of several novels for young readers, including the NY Times best seller, A WOLF CALLED WANDER and A WHALE OF THE WILD. There is information about all my books on my website.
I write because I love the power of story to illuminate and uplift our world. I try to write things that are heartfelt and encourage conversation in families and classrooms. If you wanted to ask me a question or invite me to come speak at your school or library, I'd love that. There's a contact me area on my website

When I'm not writing I try to be an advocate for literacy and libraries whenever I can. I like to read (obviously) and hike and dance and go to the beach and play the harp and write in my treehouse.

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wolf Called Wander is a middle-grade book about a wild wolf pup named Swift. After getting separated from his family, his survival instincts kick in, and he is exposed to many dangers including starvation, hunters, and other animals to name a few. As he navigates through the dangerous lands, he remembers everything he learned from his parents and puts it all into practice. The questions are: What path will Swift take, and will it ever lead him back to his family?

The story is based on the true story of OR-7, a real wolf from Oregon. I fell in love with this book and the writing is truly wonderful--it's atmospheric and really pulls you into nature with all the descriptions and stunning illustrations. I found the story adventurous and even emotional at times.

Reading this book made me think about how much I would of loved it as a child. Unfortunately, my younger daughter was a little disgusted with some of the more graphic scenes of hunting and mentioning of blood, which really surprised me, but there are only a few scenes. This might be worth thinking about if you have a more sensitive child.

Something I love about the book is all the added information in the back about the real OR-7 who is also known as Journey. There's also a good amount of information about wolves in general, the animals that live among them, and how biologists are working to track them. This is a book we'll be adding to our home library for sure and one that I highly recommend.

5*****

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW AVAILABLE!!

this is such a good middle grade animal book. based on the real-world wolf OR-7 (aka journey), A Wolf Called Wander tells the story of a wolf cub separated from his pack and his struggles to stay alive in a confusing world full of the dangers and difficulties that face a wolf too young to have learned how to survive on his own—to know what to eat, what to avoid eating, where to seek help, and when to be cautious.

it’s a fairly realistic depiction of nature—it doesn’t disney-sugarcoat its animals into being all bestie-pals or anything; some are definitely food and some are definitely competing fiercely for resources, but it’ll pan away before it rips your kids’ hearts out. make no mistake, there are plenty of sad things that happen in this book, but it doesn’t twist the knives. much.

the animals do "talk," because, ya know, exposition, but they can only understand their own kind. wander develops a working relationship with a raven, but they do not communicate through a shared language. in fact, wander cannot even understand a domesticated dog when he encounters one along the way. i liked that detail very much.

it’s a very thoughtfully-written adventure story, with appeal for both adults (i can vouch for this), and children (i am assuming the publishers can vouch for this). also: it has great illustrations:







it even has a lesson about underestimating nature at your own (or your brother’s) peril:

A scuffle of noise at the edge of the waterfall catches my eye. A black nose peeks out, followed by the most wild-haired weasel ever. Its hairs are long and stiff and wave out in all directions. It is even slower than the last one. I could catch that thing. I look at Father. He is not crouching to stalk it. He is looking at me.

“Is it delicious?” I nose-point to the weasel.

“Probably.”

The thing goes to a pine tree and nibbles at the bark. The stiff thick hairs are silver-gray at the tips and black at the base.

“Is it poisonous?”

“No.” He wags—just a little.

I make a little yip in case it hasn’t smelled us watching so nearby. It turns and doesn’t back away. Badgers and wolverines are not big, but Mother has warned us about them.

“Does that thing hunt us?”

“Nothing hunts a grown wolf but men.”

“He is so small. Why is he not afraid?”

“The porcupine fears no one and fights no one.”

“But I could get him in one pounce. He is so slow.”

“Anyone who tangles with a porcupine bows to him forever after.”

No way am I bowing to that thing. I watch it slowly and clumsily climbing the pine tree. There is nothing sleek or strong or shrewd about it. I will get Sharp to tangle with it. Then I will know, and Sharp will have to do the bowing.

wander will learn many lessons over the course of his journey, but that one is a good solid foundation to build upon.



come to my blog!

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book based on the real wolf OR-7. Of course the author had to add in a bit about hunters which I despise. I wanted to be a poacher hunter when I was little until I realized I couldn’t do that. Seems effed up that dicks can get away with killing our protected species though. Don’t even comment CRAP on my review either or you will be deleted and blocked I’m a wildlife activist and have no time for idiot excuses about wildlife.

ANYHOO! I loved this little book and may OR-7’s family generations live forever!

Some of their pups 💕🐾🐺



OR-7 🖤🐺🐾







Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾

[Amber Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good read, not only did you get a story about wolves but you learn more about them as you read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, beautifully illustrated animal story in a classic vein that reminded me of something I would have read as a kid, sort of a Homeward Bound vibe. The most recent book is reminded me of is Scary Stories for Young Foxes, but without the supernatural elements.

Based on the true story of a tagged wolf who left his home pack and traveled thousands of miles to found his own pack, we follow Swift from his cub days learning how to be a wolf, through his journey to find a new home. Animals die, but in a circle of life, a wolf's gotta eat, way, nothing overly traumatic. Swift's observations about people, cars, other animals are fascinating and feel realistic, not hokey or done as parody. You could really picture what he was describing, even when he didn't know all the words for it, but it didn't make him come off as foolish.

At the end of the narrative there are several pages of brief and fascinating descriptions of the animals in the book, everything from THE wolf (actually named Journey) to the birds he encounters. Also, the geography and plant life of the area, and a bibliography. This would be a fun book for kids who say they don't like fiction, or for those who don't like nonfiction, since this dives into both in a really gripping way.

[₊˚ ⁀➴ kenzie ⠀❦ jacks’ version · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ “I howl to the new wolf. I put all my strength and all my hopes into the howl.” ~

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I got my copy signed by the author in person 9-18-2024!! 😁

Favorite Characters:
▶ Night 🌙 • glossy black fur, amber eyes, stubborn
▶ Warm 🧡 • runt, golden-gray fur, small and loyal • “I would follow you anywhere,”
▶ Swift 🐾 • gray fur, fast and agile
▶ Raven 🪶• bare spot on chest, black feathers

Favorite Part/s:
☆ Swift’s first hunt 🦌
☆ Warm reuniting with Swift 🐺
☆ Swift encountering Night across the road 🌙
☆ Escaping the fire 🔥
☆ Swift meeting with Night in the mountains 🏔️
☆ Illustrations on pages 10-11, 47, 65, 74, 87, 107, 128-129, 138-139, 161, 193, 198-199, 201, 206, 208-209

What I Liked:
✦ The beautiful illustrations done by Mónica Armiño 🖌️
✦ How the book was based off of a true story of a wolf named OR-7
✦ How the ravens were apart of a lot the book

Overall:
• I love the writing style, and all the details were wonderful and accurate to actual wolves!
• I would recommend to anyone interested in or who likes animals (especially wolves)

Summary:
Swift, a young gray wolf from Oregon, is separated from his pack when an enemy group takes over. He travels long and far, finding it difficult to hunt and find water after sustaining an injury. One day, he sees a strange black wolf across a road, and he finds a raven that helps him look for food. Swift battles his way past fire, hunger, and loneliness to find himself 1,000 miles away from where he started, in mountains similar to his home. He meets with Night, the black wolf he had seen before, and they settle down together in the mountains.
________________________



1st read: This is a really good book about a wolf who runs away when his pack gets taken over by a neighboring pack. He makes friends along the way while trying to find a new home, and he keeps seeing a strange black wolf along the way . . .

2nd read: This book was beautifully designed work wonderful illustrations. My favorite part was when Wander finally met Night, and my favorite characters were Warm and Night. The saddest part to me was when Wander loses Warm after being reunited with him. This is one of my favorite books, and I am excited to read Rosanne Parry’s new book ‘A Horse Named Sky’ in August.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute but emotional read. Did I cry? Yes, yes I did. The illustrations are a nice touch to the story.

[✷⁠Ley✷ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

A Wolf Called Wander is such a touching and lovely story. It had me feeling all the emotions. I typically stay away from books that involve animals because some tragedy always happens, but this book drew me in.

Wander is a wolf that travels a 1,000 miles, all across the Pacific Northwest. It is inspired off a real wolf’s journey, OR-7.

The illustrations that are spread sporadically are so beautiful and have me inspired to draw again.

[Nina Quill]

DNF page 30.

[Sandra Deaconu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am mai citit recent o carte în care un lup era în centrul atenției (Ochi de lup, de Daniel Pennac), care mi-a plăcut mai mult decât aceasta pentru că acolo am găsit mai multă emoție, însă și Povestea lupului hoinar a fost o lectură încântătoare, dar care a adus mai degrabă cu vizionarea unui documentar. Deși e trist să îi vezi agonia hoinarului de aici, care își caută familia cu disperare, iar, ulterior, un loc în care să își liniștească sufletul, simt totuși că rolul cărții este mai mult educativ decât de a relaxa, așa cum fac poveștile despre animale deseori, însă copiii care iubesc romanele de aventură s-ar putea să mă contrazică. Povestea este inspirată din viața reală a lupului numit Oregon-7, căruia cercetătorii i-au pus un emițător și l-au urmărit parcurgând aproape două mii de kilometri de când și-a lăsat familia în urmă până a găsit un teritoriu unde să își întemeieze o haită. La sfârșitul cărții veți găsi mai multe detalii despre el, despre locurile prin care a umblat și care sunt menționate în carte, precum și despre fauna și vegetația specifică acestora. Coperta și ilustrațiile sunt magnifice și puteți să vedeți câteva pagini pe site-ul editurii, ca să vă convingeți (nu pot pune link de la previzualizare). Completează perfect povestea și atmosfera și chiar te îndeamnă să poposești lângă ele și să le admiri. În ansamblu a fost o lectură frumoasă care m-a făcut să iubesc și mai mult sălbăticia, deci cu siguranță o recomand. Recenzia aici: https://bit.ly/3lXAF94.

,,Steaua Lupului, cea mai luminoasă de pe cerul verii, strălucește peste teritoriul meu. Cunosc fiecare lac ascuns și culme stâncoasă, dar dacă haita mea nu este în munți nu mă mai simt acasă. Simt înăuntru un urlet adânc, dar nu îndrăznesc să îi dau drumul.''

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Edelweiss and Andersen for a chance to review this book ahead of its release date.

In this heartfelt and stunning story, we find ourselves seeing life through the eyes of a wolf named Swift. Even as a pup, Swift was as determined as ever to find a place within his pack. Until one day, their pack is attacked by outsides and displaced. Swift finds himself alone. Without the proper tools to survive, he eats small rodents and insects to stay alive. After he's injured, Swift is visited by a raven who helps him along his journey to find food, water, and even other wolves. Coming face to face with adversaries big and small, Swift travels through the land to find where he belongs.

This book is equal parts heartbreaking and equal parts beautiful in so many ways. Not only the wonderful illustrations, but Swift's journey to survive in a world that seems to want to break him. The writing is easy to follow along with and definitely for school-age children. I had no idea this story was based on a real wolf, which made it all the more exciting.

Read this book if you like:

Fluffy wolves
wolves
wolves
of yea, wolves

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect with this one, but what I got was an amazing survival story that is full of heart. Swift, a young wolf, is separated from his pack and must survive on his own. He ends up on a journey where he learns to survive and live on his own, but he never gives up on finding his own family. The book does not shy away from animal instinct and survival (some blood and gore described especially in the hunting for food parts), but is very respectful about the circle of life.
With a writing style that was reminiscent of Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan, not a word was wasted in this first person narrative told by the wolf.
I am very much looking forward to holding a finished copy so I can see the backmatter (it was not in the published ARC). This story is based on an actual wolf's journey and I'm interested in reading about the parallel's of the two wolves.
This is a must have for your readers who love animal stories.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wolf finds himself alone when a rival pack annihilates his family. This is the story of his journey to find a place of his own and establish his own pack. View the world through his eyes as he adapts to life on his own and navigates mountains, prairie and desert. Often demonized, the wolf gets an empathetic presentation along with beautiful illustrations. I received a paperback ARC from the publisher which unfortunately did not include the end notes with the true story behind the book. Would definitely recommend to animal lovers and fans of books like Pax and The One and Only Ivan.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wolf Called Wander
𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺
Middle Grade Fiction


I chose this book because (1) at the moment we are sailing parallel to the travels of the main character in this book, (2) the author comes from the state we are sailing past and (3) I enjoyed ‘The One And Only Ivan’ by Katherine Applegate and searched for something similar. Rosanne Parry writes with the same lens and POV.


Swift is a young wolf cub who lives with his siblings (Sharp, Pounce, Wag, and Warm) and parents in a mountain pack. He learns to hunt, compete with his siblings for hierarchy, and watches over a new litter of cubs. When a rival wolf pack attacks, his family scatters, and Swift is left alone and scared. He ends up travelling 1000s of miles across the Pacific Northwest and deals with forest fires, hunters, highways and vehicles, and hunger before making a new home. 


Teachers, librarians, and parents: there’s a fantastic educator’s guide on the author’s website. In the final pages of the book, there’s a great map where students/children can trace the path of OR-7 as well as many great facts about wolves which would be a great springboard to post-reading discussion. 


I loved learning about the symbiotic relationship in the wild, the wolves’ social network and how they communicate and interact. I learned about hindmilk and ungulates (which became dinner conversation) and I laughed at Swifts’ name for skunk (Not-lunch) and the pups’ names which described their personalities. 


I think readers who’ve uprooted from home and family and relocated will appreciate this one. I thought of my own immigrant experience and those who extended a warm welcome to me when I arrived in a new country.  


Rosanne Parry has several books I’ve added to my reading list. She is an award-winning Portland, Oregon author. 

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Perry
Book 1 in the Voice in the Wilderness Series
but can be read as a standalone
🌟🌟🌟🌟
4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

This middle grade is a beautifully written and deeply immersive survival story, following Swift, a young wolf, on his 1,000-mile journey through the wild after getting lost from his family pack. The book does a great job capturing the dangers and wonders of nature, from forest fires to hunters, and Swift’s resilience makes for an inspiring read. The fact that it’s based on a true story adds more depth.
I don't always connect with animal POVs but I really enjoyed Whale of the Wild by this author and wanted to try this one next! I think she does a great job pulling you in and making you feel like you are right there with the animal along the journey and what it might feel like in the animal's thoughts if you could see it.

This is a fantastic read for anyone who loves animal stories, survival adventures, or beautifully descriptive writing.

I think my little boy would love this one day.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictionalized version of the famous wolf, known as OR7, who wanders 1,000 miles. See also the book Journey by Emma Bland Smith. Nobody knows why Swift/OR7 headed south, but Parry posits that he was chased away by a rival pack of wolves. Swift is the fastest of all his siblings and dreams of leading the pack someday, like his father. He battles predators (human and animals), highways, forest fires, hunger and thirst as he seeks lupine companionship and a suitable habitat. He suffers in his long trek, and is badly injured by an elk, but eventually finds happiness in a national forest in Oregon. The bonus material at the end in the hardcover version was informative.

[Sisters Three · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off the title feels off....he's not called Wander till like the last chapter in the book....It was pretty sad...cool that it was somewhat based on a real wolf, but I just wasn't that impressed...I actually fell asleep reading one night...hahaha...sooo, that should tell you how interesting I found it.
~Kayti

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wolf Called Wander is a beautifully written book which takes us on the journey of a wolf Swift as he travels through the jungles to form his own pack and encounters various problems as well but it ends up being the adventure of his life.

He survives by eating various insects and rodents, gets injured but doesn't lose his conviction to have his own pack. The illustrations only made the book so much more engaging and one couldn't help but root for Swift to complete his journey.

[Michael Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree this is an amazing book. I got it for Christmas from my good friend and I love it dearly.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must be a masochist to read this the same day that I read Pax, the Journey Home. Just read all the books that send sucker punches to the heart.

[MaRy · Rating 4 out of 5]

وای واقعا خیلی عسل بود
نویسنده جوری نوشته رو دراورده بود که احساس میکردم گرگمون اتوگرافی نوشته 🥲😂
همه‌اش جذاب بود تا وقتی که رسیدم به انتها و متوجه شدم بر اساس زندگی یک گرگ واقعیه، جذابیتش چندین برابر شد.❤️

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born into the darkness of his den, the wolf pup Swift first understands the world through smell. One of five cubs, he is named for his eagerness to explore, and the swiftness of his development and movement. Soon initiated into the life of the pack, he comes to love everything about his home in the mountains. But when his family is attacked and scattered by a rival pack of wolves intent on securing the mountain for their own, Swift finds himself embarking on an epic journey, and struggling to survive as he moves from place to place in search of a new home and a new family. But will this wandering wolf ever find what he seeks...?

Beautifully written, with moments of both humor and pathos, A Wolf Called Wander was inspired by the story of a real wolf - OR-7 - who lived in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains and was tagged by biologists. In 2011 they tracked his 1000-mile journey to find a new pack. This was my first book from Rosanne Parry, an author living in Oregon, and I really enjoyed her writing. The exchanges between Swift and his father were quite humorous, and the relationship between Swift and Warm charming. Warm's death midway through the book was absolutely heartbreaking. I appreciated the fact that Parry didn't sugarcoat what life in the wild is like - as Swift learns, everything either eats or is eaten, at some point - but that she also captured the beauty of nature and the occasional possibilities of coexistence and help, between species. This latter was evident in Swift's relationship with his raven, and in the moment when he warns a horse herd of an imminent cougar attack. I enjoy animal fiction that manages to convince me it is from the animal's own realistic perspective, and this definitely fit the bill. It also had lovely artwork from Mónica Armiño. A delightful book, engaging and poignant, this is one I would recommend to young animal lovers, with the proviso that they be aware that there are some disturbing scenes.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swift is a young wolf cub living in the wild with his large pack who pretty much treats him as the runt of the litter. He constantly must deal with competing with his siblings whenever they get caught in a situation while finding soft comfort from his mother. One day however, he finds himself lost and alone after his pack scatters from a rival pace. Now he must travel through the wild, hoping to find his pack, with all the knowledge he has while and seeing many sights.

As a lover of animal stories, “Wander” is a heartfelt and calm story of a young wolf trying to find home again. Swift’s story is also relatable as we all have felt self-conscious our ourselves and try to be more brave, while his journey through the Pacific Northwest offers plenty of peril and discovery. We also get to learn about the real-life story behind the novel as well as facts about the area and animals that Swift would encounter. It definitely felt similar to the works of Katherine Applegate, the “Pax” book and the “Wild Robot” series. The ending was very surprising yet it was a touching one to a very amazing story where our wolf does find family again. A (100%/Outstanding)

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook with my five and a half year old — it is a middle grade novel but she loved it. A Wolf Called Wander offered a powerful and engaging perspective while also touching on very real behaviors and experiences of wild animals. This is the kind of book that sparks the light in future naturalists.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narration tone of A Wolf Called Wander felt incredibly young, which made its brutal descriptions quite jarring. It’s clear that the author wanted to depict authentic wolf behavior. I understand the laws of nature, but I mistakenly believed I was entering into a sweet, anthropomorphic animal story. I knew little about this book when I started, as it was a pick for my buddy read group, and our picks come from pitches that are then left up to the randomness of Wheel Decide.

I must give credit to its gorgeous writing, though, and, while not always positive for me with this one, the imagery is vividly conveyed.

This is, undoubtedly, a harrowing survival story and I am not denying that a wolf does have to eat to survive. This just isn’t the type of story I generally long for when I pick up a middle grade book. I confess that I would have preferred a less realistic take on a wolf story, but I suppose this has its educational merit.

5 stars to Mónica Armiño for her beautiful illustrations.

[LS Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Anthropomorphic books are probably my least favorite books to read. This one took me many tries to get in to and understand the “voice” of the character. I actually found an audio version and listened to the first few chapters so I could get a feel of the flow, then I could read the text. Clearly, from other star ratings, I am in the minority, which is good. Books appeal to people differently. I think there is only a specific type of student/patron who might enjoy this book. My rating is based on whether I would bring it to my classes, and/or readily recommend it to a patron, and/or if I find it distinguished. For this book my answer is no.

reply | edit | delete | flag *

back to top
You are following this discussion (instant email). Edit


comment add book/author (some html is ok)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful story places the reader squarely in the mind of a wolf separated from his pack. Inspired by the true life events of an actual wolf named ‘Or-7’ aka ‘Journey,’ Rosanne Parry deftly imagines the trek of a pack animal thrust into a solitary challenge. Parry does not shy away from what it means to be a high-tier carnivore. Hunting is visceral and thankfully Parry depicts these scenes with respect for all animals in the food chain as well as accuracy.

[Bookreader626 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I have no words, but wow. 4.5 stars

[Melanie Brinkman]

It's time to see survival from a pair of the most misunderstood eyes on the planet.

For Swift, a young wolf cub, life is simply as it should be. Days spent in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching the new litter, life couldn't be better. But then Swift's pack is broken up by rivals, sending them all scattering.

Now Swift's days are haunted by endless questions. Survival is a challenge, and how, if he can, will he find home?

A story of instinct, adapting, and the sheer amount of heart it takes to survive. What happens when a young wolf is forced to find a new place to call home.

Trigger warnings for slightly realistic depictions of (nature like) gore, injury to an animal, and death.

Energetic, eager Swift was ever curious. From finding his place within his pack, to providing for them, to belong, to his tension filled survival journey, his determination served him well. Smells, new animals, and especially the things he wasn't supposed to investigate fascinated him, sometimes to his detriment. All of the perils he faced by the time he began to call himself Wander marked him a truly brave creature. It was impossible not to love this spirited soul.

From a loving, skilled pack to a helpful raven, to a special stranger, to all the creatures within the wilderness, Wander encountered many that impacted his traverses in nature. Alongside his wise mother and father, his clever, playful siblings were just beginning to teach him the ways of being a wolf when everything went awry. Truly, the touching scenes with his brother Warm pulled at my heartstrings. A bond beyond necessity, Wander's relationship with the raven became a treasured friendship as they worked together to live. Every creature he came across naturally furthered or hindered his existence. It was wonderful to see all the animals realistically depicted through a mind similar yet so different from our own.

An opportunity to see life through eyes we've all been taught to fear, Wander's tale highlighted the trials and tribulations of one lone wolf's efforts to live. A consistent flow of consciousness, Roseanne Parry easily drops the reader into the mind of Wander, conveying every single one of the goal oriented thoughts and heartfelt emotions he had. The slightly off, honest portrayals of inadamant objects and slightly graphic scenes alike allowed the book to capture the circle of life within nature as it truly is. Fascinatingly based on the true story of a real wolf, OR-7 (or Journey), Wander's life came alive as he battled starvation, forest fires, hunters, and highways. Easily readable but heart poundingly real, this middle grade book invites you to appreciate life, family, friendship, loyalty, and the to will survive in all their simple complexities. Accompanied by Mónica Armiño's breathtaking black and white illustrations, this was also an adventure of relying on instincts, learning, and hope. The additional information at the end was a wonderful supplement to the story. Sweet, fierce and transportive, A Wolf Called Wander was an absolute gem.

A Wolf Called Wander will wander it's way into your heart.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure who the intended audience is for this book... I only know that I fit into whatever group that is. The book starts at an early age for Swift and his sibs who have various personalities. He grows up in a great home with a loving Mother and Father and Growl who teach him all sorts of great wolf things. Life is great for the first year and Mother produces another litter that has exited the den when a band of wolves infringe on Mother and Father's marked territory and make the challenge. Sadly, Mother and Father are not successful and Swift finds himself alone and frightened.

The story is well done and provides just beautiful drawings to illustrate what is going on in Swift's life. He begins his travels looking for a family or a pack to call his own that last for a 1000 miles. The reader travel with Swift, through injury, contact with man, and roads. We read along and after he meets the love of his life, Night, he changes his name to Wander and they mark their territory, hunt and produce litters.

This is a true story about OR 7, but magically told by Rosanne Parry. Parry tells the story in a relatable, but an educational way for all readers and attributes only the right amount of human emotion to these wild and beautiful, but potentially dangerous animals. In real life OR 7 exceeded the life expectancy of a wolf in his current location and there are photos and information on habitat and habits. This is a wonderful book, I really enjoyed it and I read it in a little over an hour, so a really good length for children, young adults and ME... I loved it!

5 stars

Happy Reading!