Wolf Mark by Joseph Bruchac

I read Wolf Mark by Joseph Bruchac because of another class I'm taking, but it works out because this novel is suited for ages 12 & up--barely making the cut for middle school students.

The novel is about Lucas King of the Abenaki Indians and since his parents are involved in covert spy operations, he is well-trained in different languages and combat training. Definitely, not your average high schooler. The book crosses into the paranormal/science fiction genre as Lucas can morph into his "second skin," taking on the form of a wolf. This is helpful as the bulk of the book deals with how Lucas is going to rescue his father from armed kidnappers, while uncovering a conspiracy in his local town.

The book is appropriate for middle school students because of its inclusion of diverse cultural backgrounds and fusion of the paranormal. But personally, I would consider choosing a book that does so while also having more literary content. The book is simply plot-driven and so it would be difficult to teach in a classroom. Thematically, the book is a bit lacking. And in general, just isn't that fun to read--oftentimes being very wordy and even "corny".