Hear Her Howl

Gr 10 Up–A powerful novel exploring themes of transformation, empowerment, and spirituality. Drawing inspiration from LGBTQIA+ YA classics like Emily M. Danforth’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post, the story starts when Rue is caught kissing a girl and is sent off to be reformed. The choice to put this novel in the 1990s may distance some readers, but the use of current diction, especially when referring to feminist and anti-racist concepts, will be relatable to modern audiences. The setting of an all-girls Catholic boarding school allows Rue to explore the disparity between what society says women should be and what they are capable of. The LGBTQIA+ romance aspects of the story help emphasize the author’s main message, which suggests outcasts can find themselves without losing religious connection. The beautiful symbolism of the wolves and moments of fantasy elevate the plot, making it intriguing across genres: romance, fantasy, and realistic fiction. This book about empowerment will be emotionally insightful for adolescent girls struggling with identity. Readers may need encouragement to get past the slow start to the increasing tension of later chapters. Rue cues white, with light brown hair she dyes black; the rest of the characters are diverse.