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49 pages 1 hour read

The Wolves: A Play

Fiction | Play | YA | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Sarah DeLappe

The Wolves

Fiction | Play | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The play The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe follows an undefeated suburban girls’ soccer team, identified by jersey numbers, who prepare for weekly games over six consecutive Saturdays. Their pre-game stretching conversations range from global issues to personal struggles, revealing complex dynamics and relationships within the team. As they navigate victories and losses, the team grows through individual challenges and collective experiences, culminating in a poignant finale. The play includes themes that may be triggering or sensitive, such as death by suicide, genocide, abortion, racism, and sexism.

Suspenseful

Emotional

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

2,048 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sarah DeLappe's The Wolves has received praise for its authentic portrayal of teenage girls and their dynamic camaraderie within a soccer team. Critics commend its sharp dialogue and powerful exploration of adolescence. However, some note that the overlapping conversations can be overwhelming. Overall, the play is celebrated for its raw, energetic, and honest depiction of youth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Wolves?

Readers who enjoy The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe are often fans of character-driven narratives that explore young adulthood, team dynamics, and female camaraderie. Comparable to books like An Abundance of Katherines by John Green or The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares, they appreciate humor, depth, and realism in youth-centric stories.

4.4

2,048 ratings

83%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

#11

A 17-year-old midfielder known for her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and ability to see multiple sides of an argument. Her analytical nature often leads her to correct misinformation among her teammates.

The team captain who demonstrates strong leadership abilities and manages team dynamics both on and off the field. She plays in defense, focusing on protecting the goal rather than scoring herself.

Known for her laid-back and humorous demeanor, she often jokes with teammates during practices. As a midfielder, she must adopt a more active role during games despite her relaxed pre-game attitude.

The newest team member and a talented player who struggles to fit in and bond with her teammates. Her position transitions from bench to striker, eventually showcasing her advanced abilities on the field.

A sheltered and innocent 16-year-old who plays defense and is heavily influenced by her protective and religious parents. She fears embarrassment and often struggles with discussions involving mature subjects.

A bold and sarcastic striker who often challenges her teammates with her edgy personality and mature interests. She is unafraid to speak her mind and frequently drives discussions toward more mature topics.

The insecure sidekick and best friend of #7, she plays midfield and is recognized by a recruiter as a standout player. Her character development largely revolves around her interactions with #7.

A defense player determined to maintain her childlike view of the world, often steering clear of unpleasant topics. She tends to view the past with nostalgia, holding onto memories that bring her comfort.

The team's intense goalie known for her perfectionism and excellence in academics and music. She is often silent due to performance anxiety but exhibits moments of insight and directness when she does speak.

The only adult character who appears in the play, she brings a mother's perspective and tangible expressions of grief. She shares a poignant moment with the team through a simple gesture of remembrance.

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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