A review by jljohasky
Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

5.0

So good! Historical fiction/mystery. Annabelle is a twelve year old living in PA during the second world war. Her family is fairly wealthy, having a large farm. Betty is new to Wolf Hollow; she quickly shows her colors as a bully to Annabelle. She threatens Annabelle’s brothers with violence unless Annabelle brings her something - since Annabelle is ‘so rich’. Betty becomes more and more angry and violent, hurting a classmate, Ruth, severely, and trying to bodily harm Annabelle’s brother. Meanwhile, Toby, a WWI veteran and hermit, who is taken care of by Annabelle and her mother, notices all the bad things Betty is doing. He tries to collect evidence and intervene. Betty points the finger to Toby. The community is inclined to believe her. After all, he is a strange man living in the woods, right? Annabelle knows the truth and tries to clear Toby’s name. I really love this story of loyalty and friendship. Caring for those around you. This is a middle-grades read, but I think it could be for anyone!