This Is Not a Werewolf Story

Raul is a 'long-term' student at a boarding school for boys who have nowhere else to go. While the other boys play sports, Raul retreats to the woods, convinced he transforms into a wolf every Wednesday. The narrative balances this perceived supernatural element with a very real journey into Raul's ancestry. He eventually discovers his connection to the Salish people and a local legend, transforming his 'curse' into a source of cultural pride and personal strength. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with the foster care system and parental abandonment. These are handled with realistic weight but without being overly grim. The resolution is deeply hopeful, pivoting from a sense of loss to a sense of ancestral reclamation. The 'transformation' is metaphorical for his internal state and his connection to the land. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins in a place of heavy isolation and quiet sadness. As Raul explores the woods and meets a mysterious girl named Teneid, the tone shifts toward wonder and mystery. It ends on a high note of empowerment and self-discovery. IDEAL READER: A 10-year-old who feels out of place in organized social settings like school or sports, especially a child who finds solace in the natural world or who is curious about their own family history and 'roots.' PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their child sitting alone at recess or hear them express that they 'don't fit in' with their peers. PARENT PREP: Parents should be prepared to discuss the reality of the foster system and the history of indigenous displacement, as these themes provide the backbone for Raul's journey. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the 'werewolf' mystery and the adventure in the woods. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the metaphors of identity and the poignant reality of Raul's search for family. DIFFERENTIATOR: It subverts the typical 'monster' trope by using the werewolf concept as a lens for cultural identity and psychological resilience rather than horror.