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55 pages 1 hour read

Never Cry Wolf: The Amazing True Story of Life Among Arctic Wolves

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 1963

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Book Brief

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Farley Mowat

Never Cry Wolf

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 1963
Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Canadian Arctic • 1940s

Publication Year

1963

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

1330L

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Super Short Summary

In Farley Mowat's non-fiction memoir, Never Cry Wolf, published in 1963, he recounts the 18 months he spent studying arctic wolves in the Canadian Barrens for the Dominion Wildlife Service. Despite initial beliefs that these wolves decimated caribou populations, Mowat discovers they primarily cull the sick and weak from the herds and never attack humans. Through humorous and self-deprecating narrative, the book portrays government inefficiency and challenges popular misconceptions about wolves, ultimately influencing Canadian attitudes toward the arctic ecosystem. The book includes a graphic description of caribou slaughter by hunters from an airplane.

Informative

Contemplative

Serene

Humorous

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

26,924 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Farley Mowat's Never Cry Wolf receives praise for its engaging storytelling and insightful portrayal of wolves, fostering a greater appreciation for the species. Critics commend its humor and vivid descriptions. However, some argue it lacks scientific rigor and question the accuracy of certain anecdotes. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Never Cry Wolf?

Readers who enjoyed Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer or The Call of the Wild by Jack London will appreciate Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat. Ideal for nature lovers, those fascinated by wildlife, and readers interested in environmental advocacy, this book offers a compelling blend of adventure, science, and humor.

4.4

26,924 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Farley Mowat

An author and environmentalist who ventures into the wilderness to study wolves, presenting himself humorously as an inexperienced schoolboy while challenging misconceptions about wolves.

A young Inuit man who, despite a language barrier, becomes Farley's friend and guide, offering insights into wolf behavior and deeply understanding their ecological role.

A white and Inuit trapper who helps Farley by allowing him to use his cabin as a base for his research, though he remains wary of Farley and his equipment.

The alpha wolf of the pack that Farley observes, embodying the characteristics that defy common stereotypes about wolves, such as social intelligence and curiosity.

Book Details
Pages

246

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Canadian Arctic • 1940s

Publication Year

1963

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

1330L

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