WOLF HOLLOW

WOLF HOLLOW by Lauren Wolk

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk is not a new read. Published in 2016 it has been around for a few years, but I wasn't familiar with it. Hauntingly sad in a Where the Red Fern Grows sort of style (there are no animals but you become wrapped up in people and situations where tragedy occurs), Wolf Hollow gets under your skin and is difficult to put down.

Originally written as an adult read but classified as a middle grade read, Wolk's opening lines are hooking. "The year I turned twelve, I learned to lie. I don't mean the small fibs that children tell. I mean real lies fed by real fears - things I said and did that took me out of the life I'd always known and put me down hard into a new one." She closes the book with a lesson learned. "But Wolf Hollow was also where I learned to tell the truth in that year before I turned twelve: about things from which refuge was impossible. Wrong, even. No matter how tempting."

Set in Pennsylvania post World War I, Annabelle lives in a loving, farming family in a close knit community. Days follow a predictable schedule and pace until Betty Glengarry comes to town. Betty is downright cruel, and she desires to take from and hurt others. Her behavior goes far beyond practical jokes, and completely upends loved ones in Annabelle's life. All the blame for the mayhem is being placed on a strange, reclusive WWI veteran who has clearly been through some very rough times. Annabelle knows he isn't to blame and sets out to find the proof she needs to clear his name before anyone else is hurt.

Be sure to catch the symbolism of Wolf Hollow and the reclusive Veteran.

There is a second book to Wolf Hollow. I will be diving into it soon.

HEADS UP- Just a minor one. Betty is always disappearing with a boy. You get the feeling they may be off making out although no details are given. Part of the time they are carrying out Betty's destructive plans.