Runt

October 14, 2002
Fans of Jean Craighead George's Julie of the Wolves
and its successors will welcome Bauer's (On My Honor) tightly plotted, swiftly paced tale of a wolf pack. Runt, the diminutive last-born of a litter of pups, hopes to prove his worth to his father, King, and acquire a nobler name, like those of his littermates, Leader, Sniffer, Runner and Thinker. But his attempts backfire: he gets lost after following King and the others when they hunt for food, and loses his way again when he decides to brave a fierce storm outdoors rather than take refuge with his siblings in the pack's cave. His efforts to capture a porcupine have especially dire consequences: kind humans remove the painful quills from Runt's muzzle, after which most of the pack avoids him ("You've been with them
again," an older brother rebukes him). Adding further dimension to the novel are such ancillary characters as a raven who advises Runt, a kind older sibling and the deposed former leader of the pack, Bider, who is also King's nemesis. As Bauer notes in an afterword, her view of wolves is based on scientists' observations (except for their ability to communicate in English). While some may wince at the descriptions of the wolves' hunting expeditions, the author encourages an informed sympathy not only for her underhero but, more generally, for wolves in the wild. Ages 8-up.

September 1, 2002
Gr 4-6-Runt is the smallest in a litter of wolves born in the forests of northern Minnesota. The pups join their father, mother, and two yearlings in a pack that is completed by Bider, an adult male accepted into the group after he was forced out of another one. Each littermate seems to have a destined role, but for Runt the future is an unknown. He tries mightily to keep up with his siblings, but much of the time he tries too hard, doesn't think ahead, or makes mistakes. An encounter with a porcupine lands him among humans and proves fatal to one of his brothers. Sensing the pack's disappointment, Runt withdraws, looking for a chance to earn his father's approval. Throughout, Bider is watching, waiting for his chance to cause discord and disruption in the pack. When this occurs, it also provides an opportunity for Runt to rejoin his family. Beautifully written and faithful to wolves' behavior (explained in an afterword), this book will be a good companion to Jean Craighead George's "Julie of the Wolves" series (HarperCollins). Bauer portrays the wolves' place in the natural world with compassion, respect, and warmth, but this is also the story of any unique individual's struggle to find his or her niche.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2002
Gr. 3-6. Born with his father's black fur and white marking, Runt is the fifth and last wolf pup in the family. He's also the smallest, and his size dictates his standing in the pack. Though he is always last, he's both curious about his world and determined to prove himself to King, his father. Unfortunately, his efforts earn him only disapproval, which culminates when, with the help of dreaded humans, he survives an encounter with a porcupine that ultimately kills his brother. Not until Bider, a white male, challenges King for leadership of the pack is Runt able to prove his worth. Runt's determination rescues the pack and earns him a new name, Singer. With an economy of words, Bauer precisely and vividly conveys the wolves' wild world--their surroundings as well as their hierarchical relationships, behavior, and culture. She also provides more about wolves in an appended discussion that tackles assumptions about wolves and expresses hope that the story will increase empathy for the complex, fascinating creatures. Her passion for the animals is evident throughout this compelling, poignant story. There's a ready-made audience for this, Bauer's first novel about animals. A bibliography of books for adults and for young people is appended.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)