This Is Not a Werewolf Story

"What would you do to see your mom if you had lost her?" For Raul, that means keeping some pretty big secrets. Each weekend, Raul sneaks off from boarding school to White Deer Woods and changes into a wolf so he can reunite with his mother, a white wolf. (Raul is careful to note that he's not a werewolf: "I'm not some knuckle-dragging, hairy-faced monster who eats people.") The "woods magic" has brought Raul and his mother back together, but their happiness is threatened by the arrival of a cougar that is stalking White Wolf. Who can Raul trust with his secrets to ask for help? Any of his teachers? Perhaps his crush, Mary Anne? Or new friend Vincent? Mystery and suspense abound in Evans's debut novel, which draws inspiration and depth from Pacific Northwest folklore. Raul is an insightful, introspective youth, and Evans weaves a compelling story from his point of view, bolstered by a strong supporting cast. An open ending hints at the possibility of future installments. Ages 9-12. Agent: Minju Chang, Bookstop Literary. (July)

Gr 4-6--On a small island off the coast of Seattle, Raul attends an alternative boarding school and guards a precious secret. He shape-shifts into a wolf every weekend. His abilities have been unlocked by the magic of the woods, where an abandoned lighthouse serves as the apex of his power. When a threatening cougar shatters the isolated safety of the woods, Raul must hurry to unravel the mystery of his mother's past, the magic of the woods, and the identity of the predator. Told in Raul's voice, the mystery will quickly consume readers as the confused and increasingly anxious narrator navigates the normal social pressures of school while working to uncover the truth without involving untrustworthy teachers and friends. From the cruel gym teacher to the absentminded principal, the adult characters transcend mere cliche as their secrets reveal intense pasts and powers. This is ultimately a story of belonging, and readers will feel for Raul as he tries to find his place among peers and build himself a family. Heartfelt, enigmatic, and ethereal, Evans's excellent debut novel takes readers on a roller coaster of emotion and keeps them guessing the whole way through. Based in part on the 12th-century French work Bisclarvet, this is a modern story with a fairy-tale atmosphere. VERDICT Fans of mystery and fantasy will enjoy this unique yet familiar selection.--Mariah Manley, Salt Lake City Public Library