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53 pages 1 hour read

Tell the Wolves I'm Home

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Carol Rifka Brunt

Tell the Wolves I'm Home

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

355

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

Lexile Level

720L

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Super Short Summary

In Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt, fourteen-year-old June Elbus mourns the death of her beloved uncle, Finn Weiss, who succumbed to AIDS in 1987 New York. As her family shuns Finn’s partner, Toby Aldshaw, June secretly befriends him, navigating her grief while uncovering family secrets. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the impact of stigma. References to anti-gay bias, stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, and death appear in the text.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

155,781 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt is widely praised for its poignant exploration of grief, family dynamics, and coming of age. Reviewers commend Brunt's vivid character development and emotional depth. However, some critics note the pacing can be slow at times. Overall, it's a deeply moving debut that resonates with readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tell the Wolves I'm Home?

Readers who enjoy Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt are often drawn to coming-of-age stories and complex family dynamics. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith would appreciate its poignant narrative and emotional depth. Ideal for those who seek heartfelt, introspective fiction.

4.2

155,781 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

June Elbus

A 14-year-old girl grappling with the death of her beloved uncle, Finn, who was a significant source of support and inspiration in her life. Her journey includes navigating complex family dynamics and forming an unexpected friendship with Finn's partner, Toby.

June's 16-year-old sister, who is a talented performer and has a tumultuous relationship with June. She appears confident and self-assured but hides her own vulnerabilities and pressures.

June's uncle, a talented and respected painter who has a profound influence on her life. Although deceased during the novel's events, his memory and the impact of his loss resonate throughout the story.

June and Greta's mother, who balances a demanding career with raising her daughters. She struggles with addressing difficult emotions and past regrets while trying to guide her children.

Finn's partner, who reaches out to June after Finn's death, despite the family's initial misconceptions about him. He shares a deep connection with June through their mutual love and grief for Finn, offering her comfort and friendship.

Book Details
Pages

355

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • 1980s

Topic
Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

Lexile Level

720L

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