Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me

Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me
By Kristin Chandler
Viking, 2010. 371 pgs. Young Adult

KJ Carson, who has been both awkward and ugly for most of her life, blossoms over the summer before her junior year. However, turning pretty hasn't made her any more eager to be in the spotlight. When she attracts the attention of Virgil, the new guy in town, whose mother is studying the wolves that have been reintroduced to the Yellowstone area, KJ finds that she's going to be on center stage more often than she desired. KJ is drawn to both the wolves and Virgil, and as she writes stories to accompany Virgil's photos of the wolves, she angers the ranchers and hunters in town who think the wolves are a menace.

Kristen Chandler's first novel is a refreshing addition to teen literature. KJ's advocacy for the wolves will appeal to fans of Joan Bauer's work, and there's something entirely lovable about KJ and Virgil and the awkwardness of their budding relationship.

AE

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