Amber McBride has once again worked her literary magic, defying all expectations with her latest novel, "Gone Wolf." As a fan of her previous works, "Moth" and "We Are Also Good at Smiling," I had a solid grasp of her unique writing style and the enchanting characters she crafts. However, "Gone Wolf" took me on an extraordinary reading journey, surpassing anything I could have imagined.

The story introduces us to Imogene, initially known only as "inmate 11," living in isolation in a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible. Her distinct appearance, with blue skin and hair, sets her apart from the world she inhabits. Imogene shares her solitary confinement with a loyal pet wolf, her only companion. The only warmth in her life comes from sporadic visits by a doctor who imparts knowledge about the history of the world. Her other interactions are with guards who inflict cruelty while callously laughing and tormenting her beloved wolf.
Gradually, Imogene's life begins to change when a white clone boy starts visiting her. This newfound friendship grants her a semblance of "freedom," leading her into a vast and often disturbing world filled with both beauty and tragedy.

One of the most captivating aspects of "Gone Wolf" is the way it draws parallels between Imogene's world and our own reality. The dystopian future she inhabits mirrors our pandemic-stricken world of 2020, and the narrative skillfully weaves in details that link her experiences with the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Key figures from that era become characters in Imogene's world, creating a rich tapestry of connections. McBride's storytelling is a masterpiece of creativity and artistry, with intricate details that gradually form a compelling, larger picture.

Immersing yourself in "Gone Wolf" will evoke a range of emotions, from awe to empathy. The story invites readers to confront painful and heartrending realities, paralleling the struggles faced by many young people, people of color, and those affected by the losses brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I read"Gone Wolf" through its audiobook format, and I have no regrets about that choice. The narration fit the vibe, allowing me to fully grasp the profound messages embedded in the narrative. There was no confusion in terms of organization, pacing, or narration. What stood out most was how perfectly the narrator's voice embodied Imogene and inmate 11, enhancing the feeling that we were hearing a firsthand account of her experiences.

In conclusion, "Gone Wolf" is a literary gem that transcends boundaries and genres, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally charged journey that will resonate with readers long after the last page or spoken word. Amber McBride has once again proven her mastery of storytelling, and "Gone Wolf" is a testament to her artistry.

Special thank you to NetGalley for providing access to this book. The opinions and thoughts expressed in this reviews are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of NetGalley or anyone else.

don’t know what it is about Middle Grade Poetry that rips my heart in two. But here we are again with another beautifully executed book in verse.

Imogen has an immune deficiency and lived through the pandemic. She uses her poems and storytelling to process being Black in America and living through a pandemic.

I cried a few times. I loved it.
Super powerful. Emotional and Important.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced listening copy of this wonderful book.

4 stars

This is one of the grittier and more creative middle grade novels I've read in quite a while, and it is going to really strike others who are also lucky to encounter it, regardless of their age.

I like as many surprises as possible, and seeing how all of the parts work both independently and collectively is the treat of this novel. What I expect to take away from it, though, is that it's also utterly heartrending. Trauma is the focal point, and more specifically, TALKING about trauma and telling stories to make sense of it is what McBride and these characters do best. This is a compelling read, but it's not an easy one at all.

I can't wait to hear how young readers receive this, and I'll be recommending this to adult students studying literature written for this audience.

Synopsis:

In the future, a Black girl known only as Inmate Eleven is kept confined—to be used as a biological match for the president's son, should he fall ill. She is called a Blue—the color of sadness. She lives in a small-small room with her dog, who is going wolf more often—he’s pacing and imagining he’s free. Inmate Eleven wants to go wolf to0—she wants to know why she feels so Blue and what is beyond her small-small room.

In the present, Imogen lives outside of Washington, D.C. The pandemic has distanced her from everyone but her mother and her therapist. Imogen has intense phobias and nightmares of confinement. Her two older brothers used to help her, but now she’s on her own, until a college student helps her see the difference between being Blue and sad, and Black and empowered.

This audiobook empowers listeners to remember that their voices and stories are important, especially when they feel the need to go wolf.

My Thoughts:
It’s official, Amber McBride is one of my favorite authors. Her way of storytelling has a way of eliciting so many emotions. As a former teacher, this is a book that I wish I could gift to my students. I think it’s such an important read that will resonate with not only children, but their families as well.