Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-A Friend for Lakota: The Incredible True Story of a Wolf Who Braved Bullying

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

A Friend for Lakota: The Incredible True Story of a Wolf Who Braved Bullying

by Jim and Jamie Dutcher

Published 2015 

National Geographic Kids

Nonfiction

32 Pages

Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary

The sweet tale of Lakota, the shy wolf pup, is sure to touch the heart of any animal lover. Readers will marvel at Lakota's strength growing up as the lowest-ranking and frequently picked-on member of a wolf pack until he finally finds that supportive and nurturing friend he's always wanted. The book also introduces young readers to the need for conservation awareness: through Lakota's life story, readers will come to understand the many challenges wolves in the wild face today.

My Thoughts
Oh my word! Even in the wild, all you need is one good friend who has your back. I just loved this sweet story of friendship and the fact that it is true, makes it all the sweeter. Husband and wife team Jim and Jamie Dutcher lived among the wolves for six years in a tented camp in the mountains of Idaho. They studied wolf behavior in an attempt to show the world how intelligent and social these animals are. Although Lakota was physically the largest, his timid, mild personality put him at the bottom of the social hierarchy. He was picked on by other members of his pack and forced to submit to them. But one pack member, Matsi, never joined in the bullying. Finally Matsi had enough of the others cruelty and he stuck up for Lakota by putting himself between Lakota and the others. Things change for Lakota as his friendship with Matsi develops. 

As one would expect with National Geographic, the pictures are just gorgeous and take up most of the page. I would recommend Lakota's beautiful story for grades 1-4.