Wolf Siren
by Beth O'Brien
Interest age: 11 to 14
Reading age: 9+
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books, 2025
About this book
Since the many wolf attacks on men and boys, no one from Red’s village is allowed in the woods - only the female woodcutter, whom the powerful mayor chooses as a punishment.
But Red, like her grandmother, is drawn to the woods. When she’s alone in there, she can summon her wolves to her - wolves who’ve had to fight to survive, like the women in this strict society.
The villagers already view Red with suspicion and derision because she loves the woods, and because she’s visually impaired. And then she discovers an explosive but compelling family secret, which will bring danger upon her entire family...
This is a powerful and gripping book from a debut author who takes a fairy tale and makes it her own. Red is an impressive character, standing out in many ways – in her red coat (given to her by her grandmother), with her visual impairment, and with her desire to question the village’s rules.
A beautifully written take on a familiar fairy tale, weaving together themes of power, feminism, and looking after the environment.
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