Artie and the Wolf Moon

In Oregon, Black eighth grader Artemis “Artie” Irvin lives with her park ranger mother and attends Rosedale Middle School, where she spends much of her time in her school’s darkroom, developing photos she’s taken with her late father’s camera and avoiding her racist, bullying white classmates. When an illicit late-night jaunt for full moon photographs results in Artie seeing a wolf outside her house, her world is swiftly upended, particularly once the wolf transforms back into her mother. As late bloomer Artie learns about her ancestors, she soon realizes she has a heightened sense of smell, and eventually transforms into a werewolf herself. Meeting fellow Black werewolves from her mother’s hometown—including Maya, a new friend and crush—Artie discovers more about the father she never knew, as well as the wolves’ sworn enemies. Debut graphic novelist Stephens offers boldly outlined, dynamic full-color art, with lovable, distinct, and expressive Black characters and sweepingly cinematic panel progression. This vibrant, fast-paced werewolf tale rejuvenates the genre with themes of Black family, community, and history, offering accessible dialogue and reimagining the folklore of werewolves with a striking premise that has a tremendous payoff. Ages 12–up. (Sept.)