A Friend for Lakota by Jim Dutcher

A Friend for Lakota Reviews

• 
  Martha

  Lakota the largest wolf in his pack is also the "omega," bottom level in a wolf pack. Jim and Jamie Dutcher tell the amazing, true story of Lakota and his pack from their youngest days as pups. Using closeup handsome photographs and descriptive clear prose, "Lakota whimpers and drops to the ground, as low as he can go, waiting timidly for the wolves to retreat," make the story of the wolf pack come alive. From the beginning Kamots is confident and fearless, while his brother Lakota remains timid and reticent. As the wolf pack grows, his gentle disposition causes the other wolves to bully him unmercifully. Lakota's future looks bleak, until Matsi second wolf in the pack challenges the aggressor wolf, who slinks away. Lakota's future shifts as his confidence grows. The social story of Lakota's pack shows their intelligence, social hierarchy, and empathy. A double spread at the end gives factual information about wolves, with a world map of the locations where these endangered animals still exist. The additions of a note from the authors, bibliography, excellent websites,and locations where wolves still exist, add to the many reasons why this is an outstanding book! The messages of A Friend for Lakota, to help readers understand that bullying occurs in all groups, and gray wolves need to be protected, are depicted in an exciting, effective, unforgettable story.
  
• 
  Barbara

  Filled with beautiful full-page photographs showing how beautiful wolves are, this book tells the story of Lakota, an omega wolf that was bullied by all the other wolves in his pack until another wolf stepped in to prevent that from happening. Matsi intercedes when the others try to nip or pile on Lakota, and eventually they stop. The authors tell the story of Lakota as a reminder that bullying doesn't have to be something that is tolerated, and one act of kindness can make all the difference in the world. They carefully note that Lakota never picks on the younger, weaker wolves. Their moving text--it's almost as though they are one with these wolves--and photographs were gleaned from six years spent living in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountain range alongside the wolves. Additional information about the range of wolves today and about the Dutchers' sojourn with this particular pack provides additional insight into the subject. It's hard to imagine anyone reading this book and then wanting to get rid of wolves as they return to parts of North America. Maybe it's just the conservationist and the pacifist in me that makes me want to believe that bullying isn't something inherent in animals and humans, but certainly this book makes readers stop and think for a minute.
• 
  Crystal

  Review Copy: Final copy from publisher
  
  This book is filled with wonderful photographs of a wolf pack and their day to day interactions. I understand that they were trying to create a story line that shows how to stand up to a bully and not be a bystander. It seemed a little awkward. Yes, wolves are a social crew like people, but they aren't people. It's not exactly a mirror of human behavior. It mostly works, but it seems a little forced to push the topic of bullying in there. It doesn't ruin the book, but it could have just been a story of companions/friendship.
  
  Children will likely enjoy the close-up photos of these beautiful animals. The text is a moderate length. The back matter explains about the study that the authors were doing and how they did it over a span of six years. They also provide plenty of resources for learning about wolves and bullying.
  
  They also explain the origin of the name Lakota and some of the Lakota Sioux design elements that they used to decorate the pages.
  
  Like most National Geographic Kids books, the photographs are amazing. This would be an additional purchase for me though.
  
  The review may also be found on my blog:
  http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2016/01...
• 
  Amanda

  The focus was a bit difficult for me to follow; this was a book about a "wolf who braved bullying" but in the end the authors mentioned that "he taught us just how important the omega role is in a wolf's world." If this is normal/necessary behavior, then is bullying in itself to be considered normal? Or can we even use the same word/context/denotation for different species?
  
  I am thinking muchly about this (maybe too muchly).
  
  Anyway, the illustrations were impressive, though I struggled to pick out the identity of individual wolves mentioned (oh look! a wolf! um, it's grey and white, but I'm not sure if that is the leader or the beta or a friend or what 'cause they are all pretty much grey and white--except for one wolf who is mainly dark gray--and I cannot tell who is whom).
• 
  Tracie

  Gentle Lakota is always getting picked on by the other wolves, until one brave pack-mate stands up to the bullies and becomes his friend. This touching, true story is based on the authors' observations of life among a pack of wolves in Idaho, and is sure to inspire many important conversations about conservation, what humans can learn from animals, and social behavior.
• 
  Booktaard

  When I bought this one I was really hyped... until I got it an saw it was like a childrens book... seriously? ..Only pictures and like one or two sentences... Naah next time I need to do my research beforehand :'D
• 
  Laura Phelps

  Amazing true story of a wolf pack that has social dynamics very similar to those of humans; I love that this shows how bullying occurs even in nature, and that one being can stop it. Gorgeous photographs; kids will love this.
• 
  Mary Lee

  Story of bullying in a wolf pack, and the wolf who stands up to the bullies.
• 
  Amy

  Great book and story but it didn't work so well as a read aloud.
• 
  Emily David

  3.5 Great photographs. Insight into pack behavior. Good back matter on wolves including map and further resources.
• 
  Laura Filtness

  I think my teachers and I are going to love reading this to our students. What a fun non fiction resource to address bullying.
• 
  Paige Dillard

  A little outdated now, but still a really cute (and true!) story of a wofpack.
• 
  KaitandMaddie

  Loved the photography and learning about a real wolf pack.
• 
  Emily Ever

  A gentle way to introduce kids to the concept of bullying and the power of friendship. Beautiful, frame-able photographs and interesting info in the back.
  
  I would recommend for any animal lover!