Newbery Medal Winner

Julie of the Wolves

by Jean Craighead George

Summary

Lost on the Alaskan tundra, a young Inupiat girl called Miyax, also known by her English name Julie, survives by carefully observing and earning the trust of a wolf pack. As she learns to communicate with the wolves and live off the land, she also reflects on her heritage and the clash between traditional Inupiat life and encroaching modern culture. George draws on real wolf behavior research to craft a vivid survival story about identity, nature, and belonging.

Historical Context & Significance

Jean Craighead George studied wolves at the Arctic Research Laboratory in Alaska, and the book grew into a trilogy with two later sequels.