The Wolfpack Way

September 1, 2024
In FIFA Women's World Cup soccer champion Wambach's latest, children are urged to be themselves. Wambach turned her popular 2018 commencement address at Barnard College into aNew York Times bestselling book for adults--Wolfpack (2019), an inspirational treatise that encouraged readers to be themselves and dream big. A second adaptation was published for a middle-grade audience, and now comes the picture book, which breaks down Wambach's message into a series of simple, declarative statements about taking on adventures, facing fears, and being true to oneself, because "you are a Wolf--and that's the Wolfpack way." The eight-point Wolfpack way, which is strung throughout the book and organized as a list at the end, is all good Chicken Soup for the Soul-esque advice, from "create your own path" to "let kindness lead the way." A rallying cry, "we can do hard things," appears on a hat worn by one of the children in Rahmalia's boldly colored illustrations, which provide the basic storyline: A racially diverse ensemble of kids (including one who uses a wheelchair) traverse their neighborhood, board a school bus, spend the day at school doing a variety of activities (including playing soccer), board the bus again for home and dinner, then perform in a musical together. Although the text is somewhat didactic, the presentation of a group of children respecting and supporting one another is a welcome contrast to the U.S.'s divided, conflicted society. Light on story but delivers an uplifting message all the same.(Picture book. 3-6)

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September 9, 2024
In a picture book inspired by Wambach’s Wolfpack, for adults, the U.S. soccer Olympic gold medalist offers lively affirmations for “Little Wolf”s. Upbeat second-person text enjoins readers to embrace their innate powers, sandwiching key “Wolfpack Way” tenets. Acknowledging life challenges, direct language emphasizes both individuality and collaboration while urging perseverance, pride, and bravery. Rahmalia’s creamy, clean-lined digital renderings showcase realistic school-day moments—a bus ride, art class, more—and loosely follow a blonde-haired child sporting a backward rainbow cap that reads, “We Can Do Hard Things.” Depictions include children of various abilities and skin tones. Back matter summarizes the Wolfpack Way. Ages 3–6.

October 1, 2024

Gr 2-6-Olympic gold medalist soccer player Wambach's book for adults Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game has been adapted for a young audience. Brightly colored illustrations show a multiethnic group of children as they go through a school day-on the school bus, in the classroom, in music class, at lunch, at a soccer game, and so on. A sign reading "Welcome Abby" decorates the classroom, and a blonde child wearing a rainbow hat (presumably Abby, though it is never made clear) is featured in each spread. The book is less a narrative story than a series of affirmations, some of which are relatable to young children, such as "Wolves work together. You help others and let others help you." Others are more vague: "You become what you imagine, and you create what you need" and "You lead-from wherever you are." In any case, the phrase "You are a Wolf-and that's the Wolfpack way," is repeated throughout the pages, perhaps summing up all of the lessons in the book. VERDICT The illustrations carry this book; readers will enjoy seeing recognizable characters who express their individuality, which may be enough to offset the unwieldy text.-Sue Morgan

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