The Wolf and the Shield: An Adventure with Saint Patrick (Friends with the Saints) - Softcover

Sherry Weaver Smith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0819883565 ISBN 13: 9780819883568

Publisher: Pauline Books & Media, 2016

Synopsis

Kieran is braver and stronger than most eleven-year-old boys. And ever since his father’s death, he's been doing his best to take care of his mother and little brother. In fifth-century Ireland, though, there aren't many options. When Kieran rescues a wolf pup and meets Saint Patrick, his choices become even more difficult. Should he leave home to join Carrick’s warriors? Will someone discover the wolf he's been hiding and kill it? But the hardest question for Kieran to answer is the one Patrick had asked him on a moonlit night: What does your heart hunt for? Join Kieran as he cares for an orphaned wolf pup and searches for a shield strong enough to protect everything—and everyone—he loves. Filled with well-researched facts about the people, animals, and customs of fifth-century Ireland, The Wolf and the Shield is historical fiction for children ages 7–10. Exciting and fast-paced, this adventure novel explores what friendship with a saint might be like, showing Saint Patrick as approachable and understanding of the challenges of a young boy. The Wolf and the Shield: An Adventure with Saint Patrick will stimulate young imaginations to realize that the saints are holy but also human and approachable, and they are always good friends.

About this title

About the Author:

Sherry Weaver Smith became Catholic after working alongside Salesian Sisters who were dedicated to helping homeless and working children in Manila, the Philippines. Married to Michael, Sherry wrote her first poems and children's fiction for her daughter, Laura. Her haiku collection, Land Shapes, has been published by Richer Resources Publications. Sherry has also worked in various product management and grant-writing positions for healthcare companies and nonprofit organizations. She received her bachelor's degree from Duke University in math and East Asian studies, and a master's in politics from the University of Oxford, England. The Wolf and the Shield is Sherry's first adventure with Pauline Kids.

Review:

As a long-time educator,"I thoroughly enjoyed The Wolf and the Shield. It read at a good pace and the imagery was really lovely. There is an eerie haunting feeling to the story and this really creates a great atmosphere."

–Brian McKee, Director of Seedlings; extensive experience in youth ministry, peace and reconciliation work in Northern Ireland, especially Holy Cross Parish, Ardoyne, Belfast

"I just finished reading The Wolf and the Shield by Sherry Weaver Smith and found it difficult to put down. As a retired English/Language Arts teacher who spent over 12 years with middle school age students, I believe this book would appeal to both boys and girls on several levels. Animal lovers would certainly enjoy the challenges of deciding what to do with a baby wolf. While girls could relate to a strong female like Ida who is not afraid to state her beliefs but still supports her friends, Kieran is a good role model who has many questions about doing the right thing while still recognizing his responsibilities to his family.

For a first-time author, Sherry has done an excellent job of writing an intriguing story while portraying Saint Patrick as a friend to all he meets."

–Rita Irwin, Language Arts Teacher with 26 years of experience in Trimble Local Schools, Ohio, and an avid reader since a teacher introduced her to Dr. Seuss as a child

“As a long-time educator, I have discovered that for children to get enthused about learning, it has to be exciting and interesting. In The Wolf and the Shield, Sherry Weaver Smith has done a wonderful job of drawing her readers into her beautifully written story of a young boy, his wolf, and his encounter with St. Patrick.

To begin, the alluring cover and all the charming illustrations throughout the book are captivating. Also, the introductory ‘People and Places’ sets the stage for the characters and the settings in the novel. The reader is immediately captivated by the beautiful descriptions in the very first paragraph. Throughout the book, the writing is strong and full of masterful imagery: ‘It (the wolf) had light gray fur like birch tree trunks mixed with the soft white of a snowy path on the way to an adventure.’

And the adventure begins and continues as the reader meets the remarkable characters and discovers the value of the love of a boy, his family, friends and mentor.

Sherry Weaver Smith has set the stage for young children to get ‘hooked’ into discovering more about St. Patrick and to encourage them to explore the lives of other saints.”
-Linda Neuner, Teacher, Ocean View, Delaware

“While my children were growing up, I was involved in the religious education program at our local parish for over 12 years. The Wolf and the Shield would have been an excellent book to use to teach children the lifelong values of forgiveness and generosity as well as the importance of Saint Patrick and his work in Ireland’s history. This book is easy to read, nicely illustrated, and the cover is very appealing. Even though I no longer teach religion classes, I look forward to sharing this book, and the other books in this series, with my grandchildren.”
-Connie Talbert Dugan, retired middle school science teacher and school librarian, Glouster, Ohio

About this edition

• Publisher: Pauline Books & Media
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 0819883565
• ISBN 13: 9780819883568
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128