《狼洞》

“Wolf Hollow,” a 2017 Newbery Honor book, is an emotionally intense debut from author and poet Lauren Wolk that will get kids thinking about compassion, justice, the importance of speaking out and how to judge someone’s character.

“The year I turned twelve, I learned how to lie.” The story is told by Annabelle, a girl from a small town in rural Pennsylvania.

Annabelle is happy on her little farm. Between her brothers, school and chores around the house, she keeps busy. But when Betty Glengarry moves to town, Annabelle quickly learns that some people aren’t happy. They live to make others miserable.

Glengarry is a bully, threatening Annabelle and her brothers. Her true colors branch out to violate others, including Annabelle’s little brother and an innocent* girl from school. Then Glengarry goes missing, and everyone begins to suspect Toby. He’s a World War I veteran who keeps to himself in his little shack. He’s odd and an easy target. Annabelle knows Toby had nothing to do with Glengarry’s disappearance and tries to right a slew of unjust accusations* to keep him free and safe. But things are dicey, and it’s only a matter of time before the truth will come out.

This is a heavy topic for middle school students, but it’s an important lesson about courage and social responsibility.(SD-Agencies)