A Wolf Called Wander



Last updated Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Author: Rosanne Parry
Illustrator: Mónica Armiño
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 0062895931
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2022

Synopsis: Swift, a young wolf cub, lives with his pack in the mountains learning to hunt, competing with his brothers and sisters for hierarchy, and watching over a new litter of cubs. Then a rival pack attacks, and Swift and his family scatter.

Alone and scared, Swift must flee and find a new home. His journey takes him a remarkable one thousand miles across the Pacific Northwest. The trip is full of peril, and Swift encounters forest fires, hunters, highways, and hunger before he finds his new home.

Inspired by the extraordinary true story of a wolf named OR-7 (or Journey), this irresistible tale of survival invites readers to experience and imagine what it would be like to be one of the most misunderstood animals on earth.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you think a wolf's life is like?
•  If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?

Vocabulary:

•  Yowl - To make a loud, sad cry
•  Hind - At or near the back
•  Hollow - Having an empty space inside
•  Fir - A type of evergreen tree

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you think the world beyond their den is like?
•  Would you want to be part of the wolf pack?
•  What adventure do you think the pack will have?

Craft ideas:
•  Make wolf puppets using paper and putting the drawing on a stick (or any stick-like object, such as a pencil or a spoon).
•  Make mountains out of paper bags.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2022-amazing-animals/

Special activities:
•  We can discuss what the world of a wolf is like.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!