Wabi
A Hero's Tale
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • With rich characters and a captivating narrative, this young adult adventure story promises to leave readers contemplating the interconnectedness of all life.
“Wabi’s inquisitive and endearing personality will charm readers.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“Bruchac’s storytelling skills are on full display in this tale introducing an owl narrator . . . His tale agilely balances suspense, humor, and romance.”—Publishers Weekly
“It is a welcome addition to the growing genre of Native American fiction for teens.”—VOYA
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 human girl—a beautiful, headstrong, human girl. He turns himself into a human boy in order to woo her. But in doing so, Wabi opens himself up to unimaginable challenges. And so begins the adventure of his life—of the life he now understands he was born to live. A life that will include heartache, sacrifice, and epic battles before it can possibly also include love. Wabi is the exhilarating tale of a hero’s journey.
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.
