YOUNG ADULTING

Review by Maia Dueck

Tundra Books, Penguin Random House, July 2024

304 pages, Hardcover, $23.99 CAD, 9781774880524

Middle Grade, ages 10-14

Fantasy, Fiction

Jewish, LGBTQIA+

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We stand together in silence and the peace of the night settles softly around me. I can’t say anything in my wolf form, but honestly, that’s the best part. I get to just be.

No pressure, no expectations. No demands, no disappointments.

Everyone just takes me as I am.

Running a wolf sanctuary on their kibbutz is the perfect way for Benji and his family to hide the truth: they’re werewolves in disguise! But for Benji, balancing school, practicing for his bar mitzvah, dealing with a school bully, and hiding his mounting anxiety from his family just might be too much for him to juggle – especially when aforementioned school bully (and former friend… and maybe crush), Caleb, turns out to be a werewolf who needs Benji and his family’s help to learn the ropes.

Overall, this was a sweet read. Reading about Benji continuing to stand up for himself and his family throughout the book was inspiring. Following along with his journey felt worthwhile: I wanted to know how he was going to tackle the various problems that were thrown at him, and to see him grow and change as the book progressed. The relationship between Caleb and Benji unfolds with sweet moments reminiscent of middle school crushes and the often complicated yet welcome feelings of first love. 

Benji is an endearing main character who has a relatable struggle with anxiety. One particular moment that stood out to me was when Benji had to make a choice about toothbrushes, a choice that might seem mundane or trivial to some, but immobilized Benji with anxiety. Reading that scene made me appreciate how the author portrayed and put into clear words the struggle with anxiety. 

The pacing was the only thing that threw me off at times. Some moments felt rushed because the book takes place over a short period of time. If some circumstances and relationships had unfolded over a longer period of time, character arcs would have made more sense to me: while the fast pace ensures that the plot steadily gains momentum, it also accelerates moments of redemption or key plot points that could have had more build up if more time had been spent fleshing out the characters and their relationships. 

On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the varied cast of characters and the representation, specifically regarding mental health. The author integrated Jewish words and traditions seamlessly, encouraging their audience to learn more through the experiences of the characters and providing a helpful glossary of words and terms at the end of the book, as well as a list of mental health resources and tips – ideal for middle school readers who want to learn more and who face similar anxiety to Benji.

Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf has just hit the shelves. For readers who relate to Benji’s experiences, or who are looking for a light hearted book about family, young love, and werewolves with complex themes about discrimination and mental health, this is a thoughtful novel that weaves multiple different themes together in a way that is understandable and applicable to a middle grade audience. 

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Maia Dueck is an avid reader and writer currently enrolled in the Creative Writing program at UBC. Her favorite trope is probably enemies-to-lovers.