Gone Wolf

Gr 5 Up–Inmate Eleven has never seen the sky, or even been outside in her 12 years. All she knows is that there’s a virus outside and she can’t leave without a vaccine. In order to get the vaccine, she must pass tests to be sure she is ready. She is eventually paired with a child called Larkin who is the son of the President. A young Black girl, Inmate Eleven thinks her life may be changing for the better, but little does she know what lies ahead. The book is split into three major sections that deal with Inmate Eleven in the year 2111, and a girl named Imogen in 2022. Imogen has to come to terms with several things that have impacted her life due to the pandemic and her mental health. This book is written in a conversational tone, so it’s a quick read. At the end of each chapter there are notecards to help readers understand what is happening in each character’s world. The book deals with tough topics like racism, generational trauma, and the pandemic. Each section is masterfully written, and will cause a few eyes to tear up. McBride includes some notes at the end of the book with an explanation of real and historical events.