The Time of the Wolf

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

Animal-story fans in Grades 3 to 6 will be attracted to MacDonald’s
heartwarming story of the deep love that develops between two orphans,
one an 11-year-old boy and the other a timber wolf. In the late 19th
century, Aaron McGregor’s parents die of cholera, and he must go to
live with his taciturn Great-Aunt Morag and Great-Uncle Archie on their
Upper Canada farm. Chores and school occupy Aaron’s hours until, in
the nearby hills, he stumbles upon a starving wolf cub, the sole
survivor of a pack that local farmers had sought to exterminate because
they were suspected of killing sheep. Aaron decides to raise the cub
secretly and, over the book’s 18 months, uses numerous deceptions to
keep his secret from his pragmatic guardians and his schoolmates. A
subplot involves Aaron’s deteriorating relationship with dull-witted
Big Josh Grossler, the school bully, who is jealous of Aaron’s
scholastic abilities.

Aaron’s first cousins Alex and Hellena Mackenzie, recent immigrants
from Scotland, offer to take him to Cobourg, where he can attend high
school—something he desperately wants to do. Because seizing the
opportunity would mean deserting “his” wolf, Aaron initially rejects
his cousins’ invitation; however, Aunt Morag makes him accept. While
paying a final secret visit to his wolf, Aaron breaks his leg. Sensing
that his friend may die if undiscovered, the wolf, Lassie-like,
successfully—but with consequences to itself—attracts help. Though
the book’s ending may not be totally credible, it will, nevertheless,
appeal to sentimental young animal lovers. Recommended.