About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep, soulful yearning for a pet or feels a profound connection to the natural world that others might not fully understand. It is an ideal choice for the child who is moving toward independence and needs to see the rewards of discipline, patience, and the quiet dignity of hard work. Set in the 1870s, the story follows Robbie Trent as he raises a wolf cub, navigating the delicate balance between wild instincts and domestic life. While the plot centers on the bond between boy and wolf, the emotional core lies in Robbie's transition into manhood and his intellectual awakening through a mentorship with a real-life naturalist. Parents will appreciate the rich historical detail and the way it models a respectful, scientific curiosity about the environment. It is a sophisticated, gentle read that honors the maturity of its middle-school audience while providing a window into a bygone era of American rural life.
