Empire of Wild

In an Indigenous community in Georgian Bay, Ontario, readers join Joan, a strong Métis woman, as she fights to free her husband from possession. In this realistic, well-written novel, Indigenous culture is highlighted with the help of a variety of complex characters and the mythical “rogarou,” while leading readers on a quest to save Victor from this mysterious beast. Suitable for students in Grade 12, this novel may be of particular interest to those who enjoy reading realistic fiction novels and literature that explores ethical and social issues. In the classroom, “Empire of Wild” is appropriate as a novel study or as a literature circle selection. The book lends itself well to extension activities such as creative writing activities or research opportunities around religion and spirituality and their roles in one’s identity.