Whispers of the Wolf

October 1, 2015

K-Gr 2-Two Birds is shy and feels isolated from the other boys in his 16th-century Pueblo village. One day, he finds an abandoned wolf pup and decides to rescue and raise it. Through his wolf, he finds his voice as a storyteller and earns the respect and friendship of his peers. Eventually, he must choose whether to keep his wolf in captivity or allow it to run free and pursue its true nature. The stylized pastel illustrations successfully support the emotions of the story and do a particularly nice job of connecting the grandeur of the natural world to Two Birds's daily life. Ts'o includes notes on each of the illustrations, including information about cultural practices, environmental and historical context, and suggestions for further reading. The story is historical fiction, not a retelling of a traditional story or legend, and although she is not Native herself, the author has made an effort to respectfully tell a story that will resonate with modern-day Pueblos without appropriation. In her foreword, Rosemary Apple Blossom Lonewolf, who is enrolled in the Santa Clara Pueblo (Tewa) tribe, states that "I am happy to declare Whispers of the Wolf a satisfying blend of words and images descriptive of a young Pueblo boy's life." The book also includes an approving preface by Vivian Arviso Deloria, an educator enrolled in the Navajo nation. VERDICT With its respectful portrayal of historical Pueblo life and universally appealing animal rescue story, this title is recommended for purchase by most libraries.-Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 1, 2015
Grades 1-3 *Starred Review* This is a poignant story about the bonds between a Pueblo boy named Two Birds, his pet wolf, and his friend Gray Bear. One day, while Two Birds is collecting plants with his grandfather, he finds an orphaned wolf pup that also happens to be his soul mate. Curious about the wolf, Gray Bear befriends Two Birds, and they become a tight trio. Though very different from each other in spirit and disposition, the boys complement each other, drawing out each other's strengths. When the grown wolf returns to his wolf pack, Two Birds worries that Gray Bear won't want to be his friend anymore, but it is soon clear that the boys have a lasting connection. Crisp chalk-pastel illustrations capture the grace and movement of the southwestern landscape, enhancing the important connection between people and nature. The tone, context, palette, and perspective reflect an authenticity and genuine appreciation for the Pueblo people, with whom the author worked closely while creating this book. An author's note provides additional cultural and historical information to supplement the story. Ts'o has written a rare and beautiful book about Native Americans that is free of cliches and stereotypes and belongs in every library collection.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)