Common Sense Media Review
Thought-provoking saga of Inuit girl adopted by wolf pack.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say this book offers an engaging plot with a unique perspective on the life of an Inuit girl, but it contains some dark themes that make it more suitable for older readers. While many appreciate the portrayal of survival and cultural insights, others find it slow-paced and inappropriate for younger audiences due to scenes involving violence and abuse.
- dark themes
- survival story
- cultural insights
- age-appropriate
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , History , STEM , Animals ( 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 : November 4, 2025
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