Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl

Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is about 18-year-old guitarist Sam Lee, who turns into a werewolf. But, unlike the typical paranormal romance, it focuses on Sam's struggles with practical issues, from explaining her new status to family and friends to dealing with the guy she has a crush on. There's a lot of arguing and frequent use of coarse language ("bitches," "bitching," "crap," and "pissed"). Teens drink and smoke cigarettes and marijuana. Protagonist Sam drinks beer. There's mild flirting and one kiss.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Guitarist in a well-known New York City rock band, 18-year-old Sam Lee is biking home one night when something bites her. She thinks it's a wild dog. But strange things start happening: A loner and a vegetarian, she suddenly craves lots of meat and becomes more argumentative. A mysterious guy named Marlon approaches her and explains that she's now a werewolf like him, but, being NOT YOUR ORDINARY WOLF GIRL, she just wants to be her normal human self. Then the fur sprouts, and Sam meets Marlon's wolf pack. Struggling to keep things normal with her human friends and family, she's hard-pressed to hold her life -- and her band -- together.
Is It Any Good?
Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl is a fun story with interesting characters. Readers will root for Sam, who would definitely rather be a typical teen, as she comes to grips with her new reality. Although the story moves along quickly, almost half the book is spent building up to Sam's werewolf transformation. The frequent arguments along the way drag the story down. A cliffhanger ending leaves readers in suspense about what's next for Sam and her pack.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about werewolf stories. Why have they held such appeal for centuries?
How does Not Your Ordinary Wolf Girl compare with other paranormal stories you've read, especially about werewolves?
Why do you think Sam doesn't seek medical help after she's bitten by the dog? Would you have acted differently?
Book Details
- Author: Emily Pohl-Weary
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Arts and Dance, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires, Wild Animals
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Amazon Children's Publishing
- Publication date: September 24, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 217
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love werewolves, vampires, and fantastic beings
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate