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A Wolf for a Spell

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A Wolf for a Spell 
By Karah Sutton 
Illustrated by Pauliina Hannuniemi 
Alfred A. Knopf, 2020. 318 p. 

This is a magical mashup of various Russian folk lore. Zima, a wolf, has been taught that she needs to always fear (and thus kill) humans; however, when she sees a young girl named Nadya who is afraid of her, Zima decides to let her live. Because of that action Baba Yaga decides Zima is the wolf that is needed to save the forest (and perhaps the kingdom) from a common enemy. Baba Yaga and Zima switch bodies and must do their best to save everyone while Nadya is trying to save Katerina (another girl at the orphanage who is like her sister). 

Sutton’s chapters alternate between these three points of view and readers will be swept along in the story of this wolf, witch, and girl who want to save those people and places they love. Middle grade readers who like fantasy, adventure, hints of folklore, and strong heroines will be sure to enjoy this tale.
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