The Wolves are Back

by Jean Craighead George

Illustrated by Wendell Minor

2008
The ASPCA Henry Berch Young Adult Award
Age ranges: 4-8
Genre(s): historical fiction, picture book

Story summary:  At one time ranchers and hunters were told to kill every wolf they saw.  It was thought that only peaceful animals should be allowed to live.  Eliminating the wolves caused the entire ecosystem to be out of balance, effecting much more than just the wolves.  Once this became apparent, there was a huge push for wolves to be brought back. This is a story about how that was done and the many things that were brought back to rights because “the wolves are back.”

My reaction:  This is a beautiful story about the balance of nature and that it is important for that balance to be allowed to work properly without man damaging it.  A story of why we should protect endangered species.

Activity:  Have students or pairs of students choose an endangered species, possibly from a list you have created, and research what has caused it to become endangered.  Students may also hypothesize on what it would take to bring this species back.