THE LAST WOLF OF IRELAND

In a story of quiet heroism, a young boy's life becomes entwined with the lives of a family of wolves. Whenever the village bully picks on him, Devin tries to tough it out, but usually ends up weeping in the dirt. Then a new helper at the blacksmith's puts Devin in training, teaching him boxing and making him run for endurance. When Devin witnesses the slaughter of a she-wolf--hunted down for a ten-shilling bounty--he is determined to save the wolf pups. With his friend Katey, he locates and hides them. But even Devin's feistiness and good will cannot save these last wolves of Ireland from the huntens' dogs--or from their guns. Steel resolve is but part of Devin's robust, spirited character. Shifts to the wolves' points-of-view are a bit mawkish here, but don't detract from the compelling story-telling.