Chogan and the Gray Wolf

A middle grade (ages 8-12) historical novel

By

Larry Buege

Hi Anita, Kristin, Adriana, Jennifer, Gina, or Laura. Thanks for stopping by. This temporary web page will not be seen by Gray Wolf readers. Links to specific essays are found below. Four are complete, and four are awaiting spring weather. Additional author information at LarryBuege.com.

It is 100 years B.C. (Before Columbus) and life is good for ten-year-old Chogan and his eight-year-old sister until a Grizzly bear terrorizes their Indian village along the southern shore of Lake Superior. Their wigwams are crushed under the bear’s massive weight, and precious strips of meat hung on racks to dry are destroyed. Despite the danger the bear presents, life must go on if Chogan and his family are to survive. Chogan and his sister venture into the forest of virgin white pine to check their snares and discover an orphaned wolf cub. The bear has killed the wolf cub’s mother, and has left the cub to die.

Chogan adopts the young wolf cub knowing the wolf must be returned to the wild at the end of the summer. Under Chogan’s care, the wolf cub survives and grows to adulthood. The time comes when Chogan and the wolf must go their separate ways. Even after returning to the wild, the wolf doesn’t forget his friend. Chogan had saved the cub’s life, and now it is time for the wolf to return the favor.

Chogan and the Gray Wolf is a unique hybrid between fiction and non-fiction. Interspaced among the pages of historical fiction are eight one-page essays with captivating line drawings by Julie Mowen. Each essay covers a cultural event or skill essential to survival in early America. In addition, a dedicated web site with color photographs provides further detail to each essay. Topics covered include:

1. Baggataway (Lacrosse)

2. Snares and Traps

3. Wapatoo, also know as arrowhead

4. Old Copper Culture

5. Making cord and rope

6. Wigwam construction

7. Primitive fire-starting

8. Manoomin (wild rice) harvesting