Hear the Wolves

February 13, 2017
In this stark and terrifying tale of survival in the wilderness, a group of children and adults makes its way through the unforgiving Alaskan wilds while being stalked by ravenous wolves. Twelve-year-old Sloan Reilly has been terrified of being alone ever since she partially lost her hearing in a blizzard; when her family leaves her behind for a day, it’s supposed to give Sloan an opportunity to rediscover her independence and self-sufficiency. Instead, a vicious storm and a grievous accident force Sloan and the last few people remaining in her small town to abandon their shelter and make for proper civilization. But not everyone can be trusted; one by one, they fall prey to dangers inside and outside their group. Scott (Titans) offers up a bone-shivering, unrelenting story about the will to succeed against all odds, where the horror comes from within and without, and from human and nonhuman predators alike. It’s a fast-paced adventure, and although the material may be a bit too grim for more sensitive readers, it’ll stick with them long after it’s over. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties.

January 15, 2017
A 12-year-old girl tries to fight off hungry wolves in this survival story.Living in rural Alaska, Sloan doesn't do well in school but already excels as a hunter. However, after spending five days lost in the woods several years earlier, she is deaf in one ear and fears being alone. Her father tries to toughen her up by leaving her alone while he takes a trip into town, but a neighbor's accident means Sloan, her teacher, a friend, and his bad-guy dad must take her to town for a doctor. The group (all of whom appear to be white) ventures into the winter woods without adequate supplies and almost immediately realizes that the local wolf pack is following them. Although wolves rarely attack humans, these have been cut off from their natural prey and clearly see the humans as food. With far too little ammo, Sloan and her party must outrun and outwit the wolves if they are going to make it through to safety. Scott has done her research on wolves (as detailed in her author's note) and writes from a naturalist's perspective, never demonizing them but portraying them as highly dangerous nevertheless. Her insights into Sloan's insecurities will ring true to many readers, while others will just enjoy the survival story. Short but powerful, with edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is one journey that should remain in readers' memories. (Adventure. 8-14)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2017
Grades 5-8 In Scott's middle-grade survival thriller, a blizzard cuts off the already isolated town of Rusic, Alaska, separating 12-year-old Sloan from her father, who is off visiting a neighboring town. Sloan is a capable hunter, good with a rifle, and knowledgeable about wildlife, but she is afraid of being alone. Many of Rusic's residents are away with Sloan's father, participating in an election, but those remaining are faced with dwindling fuel. When one of them is injured, they decide to take the river, a day's walk away, to the doctor in Vernon. The icy weather isn't the only danger, though; the wolves in the woods are starving from competing with humans for food, and Sloan and her companions become prey. Scott wisely focuses this intense, white-knuckle story on Sloan as she rediscovers her courage and confidence amid grueling physical and emotional trials, but other characters make similar journeys. Make no mistake, people (specifically adults) get eaten, but Sloan emerges from the woods big and loud and brave. An author's note about her research on wolves is included.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)