“Hunted. That was the feeling: the feeling of being hunted. Hunted. Terror gripped his wolfish side. But even the part of him that was human felt the loss of freedom. He felt suffocated.”
For Jackson, being a new student entering seventh grade at Bear Creek Valley Middle School in Ashland, Oregon is a challenge. Although English is the common language between the United States and England, you feel like an alien in this different land at the foot of the mountains.
His summer was an adjustment to learning how to live with the wildlife in his remote home away from the small town. The magic of nature and this particular place became a friendship with the granddaughter of his closest neighbor and owner.
Making friends is always a bit awkward for Jax. He’s comfortable around animals, but teenagers can be a challenge for anyone. Also Jax is a little different. He spent his summer learning about his new habitat, but people are a bit more complex.
Noah watches Jax holding a wren on his finger in the middle of a group of girls. He claims that he is saving the girls and throws the wren against a window.
Jax immediately verbally attacks Noah and reveals a part of him that must remain hidden. Noah is much bigger and older and has friends who treat him like a leader.
Miraculously, after Jax holds the injured bird, it can fly. Jax is relieved. Noah angrily calling Jax a Freak. Is Noah jealous of Jax’s attention from the girls or did he see something that scared him?
Noah wants revenge. Why save a bird? Making him look bad in front of a group of girls?
Noah is also good friends with three other boys who like to bully other students. Four against one is not a great chance for Jax. How can a seventh grader fight four eighth graders?
For tweens, having thirty-one chapters is perfect for young readers. Another unique feature of this series is that the books are geared towards children. Most of the literature for this age group is based on girls.
Lone Wolf is an excellent fantasy adventure for children ages eight to twelve. The story is appropriate for preteens with bullying issues and an underlying theme of friendship. Learning the value of being one with nature and preserving wildlife and their habitats is also an important component throughout this series.
While recommended for young readers, Lone Wolf has lessons for everyone of all ages.
