This was definitely one of my favorite books as a kid, and when I found out that the film adaptation was available on Hoopla, I knew that I needed to conduct a proper reread to refresh my memory. Ironically, even with having this on my Goodreads for some time and obviously owning and reading the book for over a decade, it was only a few minutes ago when I learned that this novel has a sequel. Go figure.
Anyway, rereading this was a fun adventure amidst the doom and gloom of adulthood. I see people online frequently wishing JKR had done something more with the Marauders...well, this is basically it. In my opinion, at least, the influence from the Harry Potter world was pretty apparent in numerous ways. Beyond the werewolf factor included both the characterization and appearances of Freddy's uncle and cousin, who were needlessly fat shamed throughout this novel. There is nothing wrong with characters being overweight, but solely having them be villains and making that a frequent teasing point was very much noticeable for the modern reader.
There were also some things that just didn't make sense or have answers. Why did all the dogs have different dialects based on breed when they were all from the same area? How was Coldfax sustained if no dogs were adopted? I suppose they would have only needed to fund the lady as far as employment goes, but who was getting all the dog food and other resources? How did Freddy's fur and hair go from black to pink and back to black with simple dye? There would have needed to be bleach involved, would there not? These all seem like minor things, but the first thing in particular with the accents was both hilarious and confusing.
100% Wolf keeps young readers' attention with lots of plot twists and fun, funny moments. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are also vivid and charming, adding to the ambiance of the novel tenfold. While Freddy is mischievous, he is also largely sympathetic because of his backstory and dedication to his pack. Yes, he can be somewhat annoying at times with his stunts and immaturity, but I feel like it was just typical tween boy behavior. Batty and Flashheart are also sweet, strong, and endearing in their own ways, making for a lovely supporting cast. "Cripp" is probably not the best name for the villain himself, but his former ties with Hotspur and his Mr. Crocker attitude make him a good mix of funny and scary.
Would I recommend this to a modern MG reader? Maybe. The fatphobia really is prominent, and it feels in some ways like a product of the era. But the plot itself goes quickly enough to satisfy readers, and I think the story of a bullied underdog (pun not intended) is one that many insecure individuals at that age could relate to. I just wish it didn't have to come at the expense of other groups as targets. Nevertheless, 100% Wolf remains a staple in my brain from all the times I read it, and I'll almost certainly look for the sequel someday to see what happens next.