Parents' Guide to The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter

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Common Sense Media Review

Mary Eisenhart By Mary Eisenhart , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

Exciting, history-steeped sequel has heart, great heroine.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

THE HUNT FOR THE MAD WOLF'S DAUGHTER is on in 13th-century Scotland, as 12-year-old Drest has become something of a legend following the events in The Mad Wolf's Daughter. After all, she managed to free her father and brothers from imprisonment and certain death at the hands of evil Lord Oswyn -- and freed his captive nephew, 16-year-old Emerick, whose castle and holdings Oswyn usurped. Not one to take defeat lightly, Oswyn has put a huge price on Drest's head, which isn't making it any easier for the brave little band to stay alive, let alone restore Emerick's domain. Things look pretty dark -- but friendship, family, loyalty, compassion, and gratitude (to say nothing of warrior training) are strong, too.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

There's lots to love about the continuing medieval adventures of 12-year-old Drest and her courage and humor under pressure as she faces one deadly challenge after another. Fortunately, her family war band, her orphan friend Tig, and assorted kind souls along the way are willing to help her -- and rescued-but-wounded Lord Emerick -- evade the murderous Oswyn. Drest is engaging and relatable as she keeps to the warrior's code in spite of having both a price on her head and a strong-willed warrior father who isn't so sure about her newfound tendency to think for herself.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about historical fiction like The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter. Do you feel like you have anything in common with characters who lived long ago, or do you prefer stories about the present day? Do historical stories make you want to learn more about the time in which they take place?

  • Drest is glad to be the warrior she is instead of being "stuck" with maidenly pursuits -- which gives her compassion for another character whose many bad deeds come from being forced into a way of life he never wanted. Do you know anyone who wants to follow their dreams and talents but is under pressure to take a different path? How are they dealing with it?

  • How accurate do you think the story's peril, violence, and danger are to how life was like in Drest's time?

  • Climbing rock walls plays a big role in this story. Have you ever been to a rock climbing gym? Was it fun?

Book Details

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