Saving Wolfgang
Saving Wolfgang by Gregor Craigie, published by Orca Book Publishers in April 2025, is a poignant narrative that explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and friendship. This 192-page book follows Wolfgang, a young boy who faces significant changes after the death of his father. Relocating to Calgary with his mother to live with his grandfather, Wolfgang grapples with his mother’s silence and his own sadness while trying to adapt to a new school environment.
As Wolfgang navigates his new life, he forms a bond with his grandfather and makes a friend named Jimmy, who introduces him to hockey. Throughout the story, Wolfgang experiences moments of joy, particularly as his mother begins to emerge from her grief. However, he is haunted by unanswered questions about his father’s death, which he eventually learns was a suicide. This revelation adds complexity to his journey, as he seeks understanding and support amidst the challenges he faces. The book is suitable for discussions in classrooms and book clubs, making it a valuable addition to children’s literature that addresses difficult topics.
Official synopsis Publisher
★”A story of grief, forgiveness, healing, and friendship, this book will skate into readers’ hearts. Would make a fantastic read-aloud for classrooms and a great pick for book club discussions.” — School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review
When Wolfgang’s father dies, everything changes.
Wolfie and his mother move to Calgary to stay with his grandfather, and Wolfie starts at a new school. Consumed by sadness, his mother stops speaking and rarely comes out of her bedroom. While he tries to adjust to his new life, Wolfie gets to know his grandpa and makes a friend, Jimmy, who introduces him to hockey. Though he misses his father terribly, Wolfgang finds moments of happiness, like when his mom finally emerges from her grief to rejoin the world, and when his grandpa teaches him how to skate. He even gets good enough to join Jimmy’s hockey team!
What haunts Wolfgang, though, is that no one will tell him how his father died…until one day he overhears his mom and grandpa say that his father took his own life. Now Wolfie has even more weight to bear–and so many questions. But even in the most difficult times, friendship, hope and hockey keep Wolfie going.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
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