We Were Wolves
What’s inside...
A boy lives alone in a caravan in the woods while his father, John, is in prison. John promises to be released soon, and the boy must survive on his own for a little while longer. However, he faces threats from both a dangerous man searching for his stolen money and ancient forces awakening in the woods. The story is described as both unsettling and beautiful, filled with yearning regret, glimpses of companionship, and pure dread, all conveyed through sparse yet heartfelt prose. The book has been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-16
Length
216 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Boy learned about family and loyalty in 'We Were Wolves'?
How did the setting of the wild forest affect the story?
What are some ways Boy showed courage throughout his journey?
Why do you think the wolves are important characters in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a city instead of a forest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with the protagonist, Boy, to deepen their understanding of the story.
Discuss the significance of the setting, and how different environments can influence the mood and events in a story.
Ask your child about moments in the book where characters had to make tough choices, and what they might have done in the same situation.
Explore the symbolism of the wolves and what they might represent in terms of human qualities or societal aspects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Grief and Healing
Explanation: In 'We Were Wolves', the protagonist deals with the loss of his grandfather and learns to navigate his grief. The narrative sensitively portrays the process of healing from a loss.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it's normal to feel sad after losing someone and that healing takes time. They can use this understanding to cope with their own losses or empathize with others experiencing grief.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family Connections
Explanation: The story emphasizes the deep bond between the boy and his grandfather, highlighting how family relationships shape our identity and provide support.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and strengthen their connections with family members, recognizing the unique role each person plays in their lives.
Example Lesson: Facing Personal Fears
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist confronts and overcomes his fears, both real and imagined, which is a crucial part of his emotional growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears and understand that overcoming personal obstacles is a part of growing up.
Example Lesson: Responsibility Towards Nature
Explanation: The setting in the wild and interactions with wolves emphasize a respectful and caring attitude towards nature and animals.
Real-World Application: It instills a sense of responsibility in children to care for the environment and the creatures within it, promoting responsible behavior in natural settings.
Example Lesson: The Power of Storytelling
Explanation: The grandfather's stories in the book pass on wisdom and connect the past with the present, showing the educational and healing power of storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of storytelling in preserving history and culture, and how sharing stories can help communicate important lessons and strengthen bonds.