A Wolf Called Wander — Content Guide for Parents

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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A New York Times bestseller!
"Don't miss this dazzling tour de force."--Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal winning author of The One and Only Ivan
This gripping novel about survival and family is based on the real story of one wolf's incredible journey to find a safe place to call home. Illustrated throughout, this irresistible tale by award-winning author Rosanne Parry is for fans of Sara Pennypacker's Pax and Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan.
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. This gripping and appealing novel about family, courage, loyalty, and the natural world is for fans of Fred Gipson's Old Yeller and Katherine Applegate's Endling.
Each Voice of the Wilderness novel contains:
- Spectacular black-and-white illustrations throughout
- A map of the protagonist's journey
- Information about the real-life animals who inspired each story
- Detailed descriptions of the habitats, flora, and fauna mentioned in the book
- Resources for young readers who want to learn more
Rosanne Parry's stand-alone Voice of the Wilderness novels include A Wolf Called Wander, A Whale of the Wild, A Horse Named Sky, and A Wolf Called Fire.
Frequently asked questions
Is A Wolf Called Wander appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book includes scenes of violence, specifically an attack by another wolf pack that leads to the loss of Swift's family. This is a significant event that shapes the narrative and Swift's journey. The book contains elements that may be scary for younger readers, such as the dangers Swift faces during his journey, including hunger and loneliness, as well as the attack by another pack.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have violence?
The book includes scenes of violence, specifically an attack by another wolf pack that leads to the loss of Swift's family. This is a significant event that shapes the narrative and Swift's journey.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have scary content?
The book contains elements that may be scary for younger readers, such as the dangers Swift faces during his journey, including hunger and loneliness, as well as the attack by another pack.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. The story revolves around the life of a wolf and does not include any religious practices, beliefs, or themes.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racial themes or discussions are present in the book. The narrative focuses on the life of a wolf and does not address issues of race or racism.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have profanity?
No profanity is present in the book. The language used is appropriate for the target age group and focuses on the narrative of the wolf's journey.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. While the story involves the natural environment, it does not address climate change or environmental activism explicitly.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The story focuses on the survival and family life of wolves, without any references to sexual themes or relationships.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It centers on the life of a wolf and his experiences, without promoting traditional or modern gender roles.
Does A Wolf Called Wander have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are present in the book. The narrative focuses on the life and journey of a wolf named Swift, without any exploration of gender identity or sexual orientation.



