This Is Not a Werewolf Story

"What would you do to see your mom if you had lost her?" For Raul, that means keeping some pretty big secrets. Each weekend, Raul sneaks off from boarding school to White Deer Woods and changes into a wolf so he can reunite with his mother, a white wolf. (Raul is careful to note that he's not a werewolf: "I'm not some knuckle-dragging, hairy-faced monster who eats people.") The "woods magic" has brought Raul and his mother back together, but their happiness is threatened by the arrival of a cougar that is stalking White Wolf. Who can Raul trust with his secrets to ask for help? Any of his teachers? Perhaps his crush, Mary Anne? Or new friend Vincent? Mystery and suspense abound in Evans's debut novel, which draws inspiration and depth from Pacific Northwest folklore. Raul is an insightful, introspective youth, and Evans weaves a compelling story from his point of view, bolstered by a strong supporting cast. An open ending hints at the possibility of future installments. Ages 9%E2%80%9312. Agent: Minju Chang, Bookstop Literary. (July)