Wabi: A Hero's Tale
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Overview
Wabi was born an owl-a great horned owl who grew to become such a strong, confident creature that he was afraid of nothing. But now he is afraid. He fears that he might never win the heart of the girl he loves. Somehow, despite his own intentions, he has fallen in love with a girl-a beautiful, headstrong human girl. And so he begins the adventure of his life. He shape-shifts into human form in order to be with her. But before he can win her love, he must face an even greater challenge in a land he comes to think of as the Valley of Monsters.
Synopsis
Wabi was born an owl—a great horned owl who grew to become such a strong, confident creature that he was afraid of nothing. But now he is afraid. He fears that he might never win the heart of the girl he loves. Somehow, despite his own intentions, he has fallen in love with a girl—a beautiful, headstrong human girl. And so he begins the adventure of his life. He shape-shifts into human form in order to be with her. But before he can win her love, he must face an even greater challenge in a land he comes to think of as the Valley of Monsters.
Publishers Weekly
Bruchac's (Skeleton Man) storytelling skills are on full display in this tale introducing an owlet narrator. Wabi's adventure begins almost immediately, when his brother pushes him out of the nest and into the path of a hungry fox. Wabi's great-grandmother, whom he's never met, comes to his rescue and takes him under her wing. She patiently answers the insatiably curious owl's questions, at times with stories. She tells him that the two of them share a "special gift": they communicate with each other in human language and are able to understand the speech of not only owls and people, but "other creatures toooo." Wabi becomes fascinated by the Native American residents of a nearby village, especially the children, whom he safeguards. Eventually, Wabi realizes that he is smitten with one of the teenagers, the sharp-tongued, headstrong Dojihla, yet recognizes the futility of his love. Guided by his great-grandmother, who confides a family secret, the love-struck owl attempts to win Dojihla's affection. The action continues when Wabi-accompanied by his trusty wolf companion, adopted while he was a cub-begins a harrowing quest to rescue the enslaved members of the wolf's pack and to save Dojihla's people from a deranged bear. Bruchac's tale agilely balances suspense, humor and romance. Ages 12-16. (Apr.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Bruchac's (Skeleton Man) storytelling skills are on full display in this tale introducing an owlet narrator. Wabi's adventure begins almost immediately, when his brother pushes him out of the nest and into the path of a hungry fox. Wabi's great-grandmother, whom he's never met, comes to his rescue and takes him under her wing. She patiently answers the insatiably curious owl's questions, at times with stories. She tells him that the two of them share a "special gift": they communicate with each other in human language and are able to understand the speech of not only owls and people, but "other creatures toooo." Wabi becomes fascinated by the Native American residents of a nearby village, especially the children, whom he safeguards. Eventually, Wabi realizes that he is smitten with one of the teenagers, the sharp-tongued, headstrong Dojihla, yet recognizes the futility of his love. Guided by his great-grandmother, who confides a family secret, the love-struck owl attempts to win Dojihla's affection. The action continues when Wabi-accompanied by his trusty wolf companion, adopted while he was a cub-begins a harrowing quest to rescue the enslaved members of the wolf's pack and to save Dojihla's people from a deranged bear. Bruchac's tale agilely balances suspense, humor and romance. Ages 12-16. (Apr.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
Wabi is a great horned owl who hunts throughout the woodlands. Born into a strange family of squabbling siblings with a distracted mother, Wabi feels drawn to the human beings who live nearby. Then, one day Wabi is nearly eaten by a fox and is saved by another owl. That owl, Wabi's great-grandmother, tells him stories about their family. From his great-grandmother Wabi learns that some of his relatives had the power to shape shift and had once been human. Wabi is stunned by this revelation, but it also makes him wonder if he too has that ability. Over time Wabi befriends a wolf pup, becomes drawn to a Native American girl, and discovers that his life is destined to be one filled with adventure. Wabi: A Hero's Tale is a beautifully told story based upon Native American legends. Told with a careful eye for the woodlands, its creatures, and the mythology of Native people, Wabi is a book that will charm its readers. This is a story of adventure and drama, but also one that helps readers to understand that who they are is determined by themselves and not the expectations of others. 2006, Dial Books/Penguin, Ages 12 up.—Greg M. Romaneck
VOYA
Wabi begins life as a great horned owl. When just a fledgling, he falls from the nest but survives with the help of his watchful great-grandmother. Under her tutelage, Wabi grows to become a brave and confident owl. As he travels through the forest, Wabi finds himself fascinated by a tribe of humans living in his territory. He is particularly entranced by a young girl named Dojihla and is overcome with love for her. He confides his longing for Dojihla to his great grandmother, who tells him that he has the ability to shape-shift to human form. But even as a handsome young human warrior, Wabi still has to prove himself worthy to the headstrong and beautiful Dojihla. To earn her hand, he must go on a dangerous quest with his loyal wolf friend Malsumsis to rid the forest of the monsters that threaten Dojihla's tribe. This vividly imagined Native American shape-shifting tale is sure to please Bruchac's fans. He crafts a wonderful adventure story that blends Native American legends with elements of heroic fantasy and mythology. Teens yearning to transform themselves will identify with Wabi's desire to abandon all that he knows for love. Readers who enjoyed Louise Erdrich's The Birchbark House (Hyperion, 1999) and Bruchac's own acclaimed novel, Skeleton Man (HarperCollins, 2001/VOYA October 2001), will be delighted by this simply told story of love and transformation. It is a welcome addition to the growing genre of Native American fiction for teens. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2006, Dial, 192p., Ages 11 to 15.—Jan Chapman