Synopsis
Even though wolves are prowling the woods near the Minnesota town where Seth lives, he knows they are a protected species and can not be killed. However, the people of the town are nervous with the wolves around, and some are even claiming that the wolves are killing their livestock. When Seth's best friend Matt thinks a wolf has killed his favorite calf, he takes the law into his own hands and shoots a wolf. Knowing of Matt's crime, Seth is faced with the dilemma of whether to keep his friend's secret or obeying the law and turning Matt into the police.
When his best friend illegally shoots a wolf while hunting in northern Minnesota, twelve-year-old Seth struggles to determine whether their friendship can survive their different ideas.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1997-09-01 | | Illustrator: | Dan Brown |
| Size | | Height: | 9.0 in | | Width: | 6.0 in | | Thickness: | 0.8 in | | Weight: | 10.4 oz |
Publisher's Note
...Seth's beliefs put him at odds with many who think the wolves threaten their livlihood--Seth's bestfriend, Matt, among them. Then Matt commits a horrible act of violence, and Seth must choose between the wolves and a lifelong friendship.
Wolves are prowling the Minnesota woods, and they're making people in Seth's town nervous -- and angry! Hunters claim that wolves are "stealing" deer and since wolves are protected species, killing one means a large fine or even jail time. When it seems wolves have killed Matt's favorite calf, Seth's best friend takes the law into his own hands and shoots the next wolf he sees. Now Seth must decide whether to keep the crime a secret. A provocative, action-packed read from start to finish.
Industry Reviews
Gr 5-8 Seth Jacobson's father is a game warden in northern Minnesota, where some local farmers and hunters hate the few wolves that still roam free. Although frightened by them, Seth admires the animals, and his best friend, Matt, taunts him with the epithet "wolf lover." Their conflict comes to a head when Matt shoots a wolf and Seth disgustedly deserts his friend in the woods, endangering his life. In the aftermath of Matt's rescue, both boys start to sort out their thinking. A sequel to Casanova's Moose Tracks (Hyperion, 1995), this novel carries the message that demonization of wolves is wrong. It also conveys the general notion that either love or hate can cloud judgment. The friendship between Seth and Matt is not completely convincing, but Seth is a well-realized character. Some readers will expect more action than this slow-paced, message-heavy novel of reflection offers. Claudia Morrow, Berkeley Public Library, CA
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