I Am Wolf – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

I Am Wolf

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2024

86%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Giant sentient machines, prosthetic-limbed heroes, and a world turned upside down—fast-paced sci-fi that doesn't talk down to kids.

I Am Wolf

book

2024

86%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Giant sentient machines, prosthetic-limbed heroes, and a world turned upside down—fast-paced sci-fi that doesn't talk down to kids.

4.6

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid middle-grade sci-fi that respects its audience. The Construct concept is genuinely cool—giant machines powered by collective willpower, clans battling it out, a kid with prosthetic limbs trying to get home—and Chisholm doesn't dumb it down.

The disability representation is a real highlight. Coll's prosthetics aren't a tragic backstory or a superpower; they're just part of him, and the story explores how others' assumptions affect his self-esteem. That's rare and valuable.

The action is intense but age-appropriate, the themes of bias and identity give you something to talk about, and the pacing keeps reluctant readers hooked. It's not going to win literary awards, but it's exactly what middle-grade adventure should be: entertaining, thoughtful, and respectful of kids' intelligence.

If your kid loved Mortal Engines or is ready to graduate from Percy Jackson to something with a bit more edge, this is a strong pick.

Age Fit

Best for confident readers 9-13 who are ready for dystopian sci-fi with action and moral complexity. The 250-page length and brisk pacing make it accessible for middle-graders, though the world-building requires some patience up front.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The book models cooperation, loyalty, and confronting personal bias in an emotionally healthy way. Coll's journey from pride to humility, his partnership with Rieka (despite initial distrust), and the disability representation that focuses on self-esteem rather than 'overcoming' tropes all contribute to positive modeling. The action is intense but not gratuitous, and the pacing is brisk without being chaotic. The themes of community and identity are handled with care for the middle-grade audience.

Imaginative

Giant sentient Constructs powered by collective willpower is a genuinely original concept that blends dystopian sci-fi with philosophical questions about identity and community. The world-building invites curiosity about how these machines work, the role of 'Tocks' who control them, and the clan-based society. The story encourages readers to think about perspective, trust, and what happens when your entire worldview is challenged. It's got the creative spark of Mortal Engines with its own unique twist.

Safe

Age-appropriate for the 9+ target audience. Contains battle scenes and injuries (Coll has prosthetic limbs from a previous incident, and there's a violent attack that casts him out), but no graphic gore, sexual content, or adult language. The violence is in the context of sci-fi action rather than realistic trauma. The disability representation is praised as respectful and well-researched. Parents should preview if their child is sensitive to action/conflict, but the content aligns well with middle-grade expectations.

Enriching

Strong disability representation that normalizes prosthetics and addresses assumptions about ability. The story tackles themes of bias, trust, identity, and what defines community in a way that's accessible but meaningful. Coll's arc from clan pride to questioning everything he knows offers real ethical growth. The sci-fi setting provides entry points for discussing technology, cooperation, and social structures. It's entertaining with cliff-hangers and fast pacing while still offering cognitive and empathetic development.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely original world-building with Constructs powered by collective willpower—it's like Pacific Rim meets Mortal Engines but for middle-graders
Disability representation that's woven into the story naturally, not as inspiration porn or a problem to overcome
Fast-paced with cliff-hangers that keep pages turning, perfect for reluctant readers who need momentum
Tackles bias and identity in a way that invites real conversations without feeling preachy
Strong ratings (4.3 on Goodreads, 4.6 on Amazon) suggest kids are actually enjoying it

⚠

What to Watch For

Battle scenes and injuries—Coll gets thrown from his Construct and has prosthetic limbs, there's sci-fi violence but no gore
The opening can be disorienting as you figure out what Constructs are and how this world works—stick with it for a few chapters
Themes of betrayal and questioning everything you believe might hit hard for sensitive kids who like clear good/bad lines

Conversation Starters

"Coll has to work with Rieka even though he doesn't trust her at first. Have you ever had to team up with someone you weren't sure about?"
"The book shows how Coll's prosthetic limbs are just part of who he is. What did you think about how the story handled that?"
"When Coll learns the truth about his clan, everything he believed changes. Has anything ever made you see things completely differently?"
"The Constructs are powered by everyone working together with their minds. What do you think would be hard about that? What would be cool?"

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