Wyatt the Wild - by Jeff Miller

Book Synopsis

Twelve-year-old self-proclaimed "indoor enthusiast" Wyatt has done his research. He knows all the most obscure ways people can die in the wilderness, like death by selfie or drowning by swan. Being Wyatt the Worrier means always being prepared.

Still, no amount of research equips Wyatt for life at the Very-Very-Last-Chance Ranch, an off-grid animal sanctuary in the mountains of Montana. The plan is for Wyatt to spend a month at the ranch to reconnect with his dad, who lives there now with his new family. Wyatt feels useless in the great outdoors, overshadowed by his adventurous stepbrother... until he meets Goldie, a lonely wolf cub with an injured leg. Helping Goldie safely return to her pack means embarking on an unimaginable adventure in the woods, filled with awe-inspiring encounters with wild animals. Along the way, Wyatt the Worrier becomes Wyatt the Wild.

Reviewers praised Jeff Miller's debut, Rare Birds, for its "compassionate prose." Here in his sophomore novel, Miller illuminates complicated family relationships, a deep connection between a wolf and a boy, and the healing power of epic wilderness.

About the Author

Jeff Miller is a middle grade author and former camp counselor originally from Kent, Ohio. He loves snow, coffee, and visiting schools to connect with young readers. He is the author of The Nerdy Dozen series, middle grade books about video games, friendship, top-secret aircraft, positivity, and ostriches. His book Rare Birds was an Indie Next pick. Miller currently lives in Chicago, where he keeps asking his cats for writing advice.