Julie of the Wolves
Thought-provoking saga of Inuit girl adopted by wolf pack.
Parents say
Based on 21 reviews
Kids say
Based on 28 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that 1973 Newbery Medal winner Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George, is the story of a young "Eskimo" (Inuit) girl named Miyax. Julie is her English name, given to her by her aunt who sends her to an American school. Forced into an arranged marriage at 13 to the mentally challenged son of her father's best friend, she flees after he tries to rape her, and survives in the Alaskan tundra by joining a wolf pack. Other violence incudes the wolf pack attacking and killing a straggler wolf, a hunter shooting a wolf from a plane, and a bird dying. Poetic text, simple illustrations, and the exploration of the impact of Western civilization on the natural world and Native culture enrich the saga of Miyax's adoption by the wolves and her trek across the Arctic. The book is considered a classic and often assigned in middle and high school, but it has been labeled "Not Recommended" by American Indians in Children's Literature for its lack of accuracy in depicting the Inuit experience. It is also often on the American Library Association's annual list of Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books, partly due to the attempted sexual assault that triggers the main character's escape into the wilderness and survival adventure.
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What's the Story?
In JULIE OF THE WOLVES, 13-year-old Julie/Miyax escapes her village and her husband after he tries to rape her, becomes lost and alone on the Arctic tundra, and survives by joining a wolf pack. Lyrical text portrays the interdependence between people and animals in the harsh but beautiful Alaskan environment. As Miyax learns to communicate with the wolves, her physical hardships mirror the plight of Inuit culture as it faces Westernization and modern technology.
Is It Any Good?
This tale of a teen girl's harrowing trek across the Arctic tundra thoughtfully explores what Indigenous peoples face when their culture is threatened by Westernization. As Miyax recalls her "Eskimo" upbringing and learns to survive on the tundra, readers learn about the science of her Indigenous culture and its interdependence with native plants and animals. Miyax uses Native and natural wisdom to gain acceptance by the wolf pack that saves her life.
As Miyax (and the reader) become more steeped in her people's ways, she reconsiders her decision to leave Alaska. Julie of the Wolves invites readers to think about the impact of Americanization on traditional Inuit culture and whether individuals can make a difference within their society.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the interaction between Miyax and the wolf pack in Julie of the Wolves. How does she rely on them? What does she learn from them? How does she help them?
This award-winning novel is regarded as a classic and often assigned in school. It's also frequently on the annual list of banned books. What about it do teachers like so much? Why do you think some parents object to it being in libraries and schools?
Who do you think comes off better in the book: the wolves or the humans? What point do you think the author is trying to make?
Book Details
- Author: Jean Craighead George
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Adventures, Great Girl Role Models, History, Science and Nature, Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTrophy
- Publication date: January 1, 1972
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 170
- Award: Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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Apple: (Skin to the Core)
Extraordinary must-read memoir of coming of age on the Rez.
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