A Wolf Called Fire - by Rosanne Parry (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER

"Sure to help readers reflect on where and how they fit into the world. Highly -recommended."--School Library Journal

"Another winner from a proven author."--Booklist

The stand-alone companion to Rosanne Parry's New York Times bestseller A Wolf Called Wander tells the story of a wolf named Warm. Warm is not the strongest or biggest in his pack, but when he needs it most, he finds within himself the heart of a true leader. This Voice of the Wilderness Novel is an animal survival story illustrated in black and white throughout. Features educational back matter, including a map.

Warm is the smallest pup, the one his father calls the heart of the pack. But all Warm sees is his bigger brothers Sharp and Swift, even his sisters Pounce and Wag, winning all the wrestling matches. Warm finds his place in the pack helping take care of the young pups, a role he is assured is important, but doesn't always feel like it is.

When enemy wolves attack, the pack is forced to defend themselves. Instead of joining the fight, Warm leads the pups away to safety, only to find himself alone on the mountain with four helpless pups. His pack has scattered. The pups are his responsibility now. Fearful and uncertain, Warm and the pups climb higher and higher into the mountains. Their journey is grueling, lonely, and full of danger, and they face hunger, storms, fire, and enemy wolves nipping at their heels. Will Warm have the courage to be the leader his pack needs when the fiercest enemy of all comes to challenge him? Will Warm and the pups ever find a place to call home?

A Wolf Called Fire is a stand-alone companion novel to A Wolf Called Wander. The story is inspired by Wolf 8, a real Yellowstone wolf who was the smallest of his pack and was constantly bullied by his bigger brothers. Wolf 8 survived a tumultuous first year and grew up to be a different sort of leader--one who fought many rival wolves to submission but never killed any. He became the patriarch of the largest wolf pack in Yellowstone, not by being the biggest or strongest, but by choosing to be collaborative and generous. Features black-and-white illustrations throughout and extensive back matter, including a map.

Rosanne Parry's stand-alone Voice of the Wilderness novels include A Wolf Called Wander, A Whale of the Wild, A Horse Named Sky, and A Wolf Called Fire.

Review Quotes

"A wolf cub charts his own path to pack leadership. . . . Parry's short sentences create a quickly moving story with deep emotional currents. . . . Armiño's numerous, beautifully detailed black-and-white illustrations add ample emotion and dynamic movement. Environmentally conscious readers, animal lovers, and those with a taste for nonfiction will be thrilled by the extensive backmatter. . . . An exciting and thoughtful portrait inspired by a real animal who succeeded by being different." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Middle schoolers will instantly identify with Warm. . . . This wolf tale presents a diversity of ideologies and perspectives, all of which are sure to help readers reflect on where and how they fit into the world. Highly -recommended." -- School Library Journal

"During this tale of self-discovery and growth, readers will root for [an] underdog who proves his mettle, leading in his own unique way. . . . Armiño's detailed black-and-white illustrations are charming, full of realism and personality, making this a winsome package for young readers who love wildlife adventures. Another winner from a proven author." -- Booklist

"A suspenseful, dramatic plot spins above the big grounding question of how we can survive and live with one another with respect and consideration. Dynamic illustrations along with extensive back matter (including essays on wolf biology, animal tracks, forest ecology, and youth climate activism) make for an appealing presentation." -- Horn Book Magazine