The Wolf Is Back

Gr 6–8—Canadian poet Priest presents 38 poems discussing the natural world and humanity's contributions to it in this latest collection. Discrete black-and-white pixilated artwork captures the essence of several poems with its bold lines and startling contrast. The poetry itself is not as notable and seems loosely connected to certain overall themes. Priest initially introduces nature and human's impact on the environment in poems such as "Where Are the Wolves." Using a loose form of a Spanish sestet, Priest recounts a cautionary tale of mankind's interference in ecology when wolves are removed from Yellowstone. His playful use of poetic form oversimplifies the devastation on the environment and changes this narrative poem into a chain tale. Several historical narrative poems follow, detailing the positive contributions of people in the world from ancient civilization to the modern day. The invention of the wheel and bricks, Shakespeare, and the civil rights movement are some topics covered. Many complex poetry forms, such as concrete poetry, the soliloquy, haiku, and ballad are employed, providing engaging rhythmic combinations to stimulate interest. Two of the poems include sheet music, an added bonus. Many of the narrative verses require historical background, so it's useful that a helpful notes section is included to provide further information. The dilemma with this collection is in its unevenness; some of the poems have a level of sophistication best suited for upper middle or high school while others are more appropriate for elementary.