A Time of Legends: The Story of Two Fearless Wolves—and One Rebel

Gr 4-6–Biologist and park ranger McIntyre spent decades observing and writing about the wolf packs of Yellowstone, and the young reader’s editions of his 2019 “Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone” series follow the relationship drama, territory battles, and everyday lives of these complex creatures. A Time of Legends chronicles a particularly successful time for the Druid Pack, when the empathetic, egalitarian leadership of Wolf 21 and his fierce mate, Wolf 42, helped them to become the largest pack in all of Yellowstone. The story then follows the redemption arc of Wolf 302, a “vagabond playboy” who, through a dramatic series of life events, eventually makes good and becomes the alpha of his own pack. Through spare, simple writing reminiscent of a field journal, the authors successfully paint vibrant pictures of the wolves, avoiding anthropomorphism while still relaying their very unique personalities. McIntyre’s deep understanding of wolf society and biology makes these books dense yet compelling. Occasional short commentary from McIntyre adds a personal layer to the adaptation.