Okan is a 13-year-old Raccoon. His mom is always busy working, and he hardly ever sees her. Marcus the moose is a rich bully who used to be friends with Okan but isn’t now. He has everything he could ever want except his family’s love. Sara the skunk feels relentlessly teased about her body odor ever since her mother died. When the three hear about a rare white wolf in the forest, they set out on an adventure together to find it. If they can save the wolf from hunters, it can help them with their issues. Can the trio work together to help the wolf? Will they find the wolf?

The plot is unique, well written, and empowering. The characters are well developed, flawed, and relatable. The world building is well done but may be hard for some readers to engage with. Readers who like anthropomorphized animals, adventure, and books with misfits will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where such books are popular. 3 stars, Gr 3 to 7.

Another great book by James Bird. Three kids go on a quest to find a wolf in the mountains. The two boys, Raccoon and Moose, used to be friends but aren’t now. Skunk is Raccoon’s neighbor, and they walk to school together. When Raccoon invites Skunk along he says if we save the wolf he will help us. She goes along and then Moose invites himself. The three slowly begin to get along and talk things out. When they hear there is a search and rescue out for them,Moose leaves and says find the wolf. Do they find the wolf? Will the three now be friends?
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Three kids went on a quest to find a wolf and end up learning more about each other. They learn that you can make it through anything and even when it looks like someone has it all together or has it all; that may not be the case. I also like the Anishinaabe words along with some animal facts.

Three kids, who don't get along, take off an adventure to save a rare white wolf from hunters. Along the way, they discover that each is more than the struggles they are going through in their lives. They learn how to get along and even become friends and help each other face the hard things in their lives. I really enjoyed the Native American folklore and beliefs that were woven throughout this story. This is a great YA book aimed for upper middle ages. I wouldn't recommend for elementary ages due to some inappropriate language and slang, but definitely would put this in my middle school library. I would definitely read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

The first chapter mentions kissing and "boner" - and therefore, I DNF'd it. I'm sure it has a great message but I will not be presenting this to my children or my students, as I feel this is completely unnecessary for a children's / young reader's book.

I loved everything about this YA novel - I loved the native folklore, the real life struggles of each teen, the way they come together on a journey and end up friends. Loved it. Highly recommend.

A really touching and empowering MG novel about three middle school students who enter the Minnesota woods on a quest to find and protect a recently spotted white wolf with horns. Over the course of their two day adventure the kids learn important truths about themselves and their intertwined histories, ultimately finding healing from trauma.