Author(s): Katrina Nannestad

Senior Fiction | Historical

Sometimes it's good to be wild. Sometimes you have to be wild.

When the Russian Army marches into East Prussia at the end of the war, the Wolf family must flee. Liesl, Otto and their baby sister Mia find themselves lost and alone, in a blizzard, in the middle of a war zone. Liesl has promised Mama that she will keep her brother and sister safe. But sometimes, to survive, you have to do bad things. Dangerous things. Wild things.

Sometimes to survive, you must become a wolf.

A masterful novel from bestselling Australian author Katrina Nannestad - a book to crack open your heart, a book to light you up inside, a book to love.

PRAISE FOR WE ARE WOLVES

'The children's physical and emotional journeys, inspired by real events, are poignantly depicted as they struggle against the elements, hunger, and foes and try to understand the nonsensical nature of war and the unimaginable things it forces people to do to survive. Heiduczek's hauntingly atmospheric art adds to the story's emotional impact. A lesser-known story beautifully and sensitively told.' - Kirkus, starred review

'A compelling mix of historical fiction, survival, and adventure, this title shines light on a little-known episode from history' -School Library Journal, starred review

'This is powerful storytelling that will touch the toughest of hearts. Liesl, Otto, and Mia will stay with me for a long time to come.' - Felice Arena, bestselling author of A Great Escape

'All the appeal, adventure and terror of classic war novels like Once and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, but with its own unique voice, humour and heart. We Are Wolves is a book for children and their adults to curl up and read together, and I feel as though it will be read and loved for many years to come.' - Tristan Bancks, bestselling author of Detention

'This is quite simply one of the most beautiful books I've read for a long time ... I feel so much better for having read it, uplifted in the truest sense, and I'm sure it will be a story that is read for many, many years to come.' - Karen Foxlee, award-winning author of Lenny's Book of Everything

'It's the small acts of human kindness that make this book sing. Heart-swelling, and with characters that won't be forgotten.' - Zana Fraillon, award-winning author of The Bone Sparrow

'A timely novel recognising the silent victims of war and the courage and resilience of children to find joy in dark times.' - Susanne Gervay OAM, bestselling author of I Am Jack

'In the tradition of wartime adventure stories, this is a heart-warming and engaging tale of endurance and survival. It's full of action and drama, but is also very moving and, ultimately, hopeful.' - Jane Godwin, bestselling author of As Happy as Here

'We Are Wolves drew me in from the very first page and held me close until the last. If a novel can be both gripping and gentle, then this is that - a page-turner that somehow also feels gloriously cosy and quiet ... Katrina Nannestad's powerfully beautiful novel makes history sing.' - Meg McKinlay, award-winning author of A Single Stone

'Told with honesty and insight, We Are Wolves is a sensitive portrayal of humanity at its best and at its worst. A story of displacement, loss, cruelty and deprivation, perfectly counterbalanced with hope, kindness, love and home. A timely reminder of the effects of war on today's children.' - Glenda Millard, award-winning author of The Stars at Oktober Bend

'the best children's book I've read in years ... The way Nannestad has fostered hope and even humour out of her Wolfskinders' struggle to survive is testament to her remarkable skill as a writer for the young. There are scenes here that lay bare the cruelty of the times, but they are deftly balanced with heartwarming kindness and the courage that all children would like to believe lives inside them as well.' - James Moloney, bestselling author of The Love That I Have

'a rare combination of heart-stopping suspense and lyrical warmth.' - Jaclyn Moriarty, award-winning author of The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone

Author Biography: Katrina Nannestad is an award-winning Australian author. Her books include the CBCA-shortlisted We Are Wolves, The Girl Who Brought Mischief, the Travelling Bookshop series, the Girl, the Dog and the Writer series, the Olive of Groves series, the Red Dirt Diaries series, the Lottie Perkins series, and the historical novels Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief and Waiting for the Storks. Katrina grew up in country New South Wales in a neighbourhood stuffed full of happy children. Her adult years have been spent raising boys, teaching, daydreaming and pursuing her love of stories. Katrina celebrates family, friendship and belonging in her writing. She also loves creating stories that bring joy or hope to other people's lives. Katrina now lives on a hillside in central Victoria with her husband, a silly whippet called Olive and a mob of kangaroos.