Stephens, Olivia. Artie and the Wolf Moon. Olivia Stephens, Illus. Graphic. Graphic Universe, 09/2021. 256pp. $30.65. 978-1-5415-4248-8. PB $16.99. 978-1-7284-2020-2. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-8.
Eighth grader Artemis “Artie” Irvin, bullied as one of the few Black people at her school, finds solace in her favorite activity, old school film photography. Artie ventures out late one night to take pictures and encounters a wolf who ends up on Artie’s doorstep. Artie sees the wolf transform into her mother, demands answers, and is introduced to her heritage as a werewolf, including why vampires pose a threat to them. The narrative weaves deftly through time, going back to the origins of werewolves during slavery, to Artie’s parents’ courtship, to Artie’s coming of age in the werewolf community. The queer romance between Artie and Maya, who Artie meets in the community, is sweet. The art integrates with the story beautifully; color is used skillfully to set time, place, and ominous moods. This just-scary-enough book will delight middle schoolers. The werewolves are all Black, and the vampires are light skinned.
Carla Riemer, Independent