Wow!
This is the most surprising middle grade book I’ve read since The Girl Who Drank the Moon. It’s so well written, the story is so well crafted, and it’s not written down to a middle grade level. Instead it just feels like a story that anyone, of any age, could enjoy.
I don’t know the myth Wolfish is based on, so to me the story, characters, etc. were all new. Each character is their own with eccentricities and personality unique to them. I really appreciate the work Christiane M. Andrew’s put into each of her core characters.
This story is so much more than the illustrations and cover do justice. I’d put it as sophisticated enough to entertain and give pause to any one of any age. Not unlike the appeal of books like Harry Potter, Little Prince or Percy Jackson. Universal stories that everyone can appreciate.

The writing and story itself can be interpreted at so many levels. For a child it might tell a story of family, for a teen it might teach appreciating life for what it is, and for an adult it might cause reflection on decisions and overall life goals. It’s truly wondrous how Andrew’s has brought so many ideals together and given the narrative a familiar, beautifully lyrical tone (without being obnoxious or too flower-y). Oh the songs!! I want this to be a movie or tv show just so someone can put the amazing songs to real music. I can almost hear in my head what they might sound like; that’s how well cadenced the lyrics are.

Honestly I could go on and on about so many aspects of Wolfish. From the divinity of the oracle, the suffering of the children, the emphasis on food, and the focus on created family (not bloodlines) Andrew’s has considered every aspect of this story and enhanced it in so many ways. And none of that even begins to touch on the morals and lessons about: helping others, doing right whenever possible (or finding a compromise), and ultimately loving life in a way that it takes so many of us far too long to realize and understand. Do yourself, a friend, a child, really anyone, a favour and read Wolfish. Then gift it, buy it, and love it. Share it with everyone. It’s the kind of book I would gift to anyone at any time. I’m confident enough you will enjoy it that if I had any kind of ‘clout’ (or cash, lol) I’d make it a guaranteed good read.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

A story inspired by the myth of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who were taken in by a wolf before they became the legendary founders of Rome. The story is told from the perspective of a boy turned king, a girl who is an oracle’s apprentice, a girl who encounters a wolf, and the wolf. All these characters lives are intertwined and when Alba, the oracle’s apprentice gives a troubling prophecy to a rising boy-king, she knows her prophecy will set off a chain of suffering and horrible rule and she’s desperate to fix it. She’ll need the help of Rae, a twelve year old adopted daughter of shepherds who has a connection a strange wolf. I definitely think this would be a great middle grade read for fans of mythology and fantasy adventure, however for someone who is a bit older this one seemed to lose my attention and I normally adore mythology takes and fantasy adventures, but this one just didn’t really capture my attention. It started off great but I felt myself losing interest by the middle. Overall, definitely give it a go if you are a fan of roman mythology and fantasy adventures.

*Thanks Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*