Lone Wolf Goes To School
Written by Kiah Thomas and Illustrated by K-Fai Steele
A Junior Library Guild selection, A Kirkus Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2024, A 2025 ALSC Notable Children's Book, and One of Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids of the Year, a 2025 CCBC Choices selection
★ “A charmer that’s sure to garner its protagonist a devoted following—much to his chagrin.”
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“These stories are so fresh and funny they must be shared.”
—School Library Journal
"A humorous story featuring an antisocial yet charming protagonist who simply wants some alone time, this book will encourage children to think outside the box while also reassuring more-introverted readers that there is no shame in having quiet time to ourselves."
–Booklist
"Wolf’s hyperbolic personality is reflected in the characters’ exaggerated facial features. Supporting characters (who are depicted with a variety of shapes, sizes, ages, and skin tones) are unnamed; instead, they’re called as Wolf sees them: “bossy boy,” “eager girl,” “jolly hiker.” These piquant stories are all hard edges, blunted somewhat by the pencil and watercolor illustrations’ soft lines and gentle coloring, reminiscent in tone and style to William Steig’s classic works. . . . With their wry humor, these books would also work as read-alouds in classrooms, libraries, and homes."
—The Horn Book
“A hilarious romp with an irresistible grump. LONE WOLF is totally GRRR-REAT!” —Andrew McDonald & Ben Wood, creators of the Real Pigeons series
“Children will love Lone Wolf, and while Wolf would no doubt prefer children leave him alone and love something else, it’s great news for everybody else.” —Mac Barnett, New York Times bestselling author of The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza
“I love Lone Wolf, it’s simple and silly and the smart kind of funny. My favorite.” —Bob Shea, beloved children’s author of Who Wet My Pants?
“Singularly brilliant—kids and adults will howl with laughter.” —Greg Pizzoli, three-time Geisel Award winner and creator of Baloney and Friends
“Lone Wolf is a creative genius. This book had me howling while quickly taking notes on how to be left alone.” —Lian Cho, creator of Pig Town Party
“Lone Wolf is the perfect series for kids who loath group hugs and prefer growling at the mailman. I want to be alone with all these books forever!” —Eliza Kinkz, Pura Belpré Illustration Honoree for Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock
“Instantly iconic and deeply relatable—Wolf is all of us. He is destined to become one of the great loveable curmudgeons of children’s literature, alongside the Grinch himself.” —Monica Arnaldo, creator of Governor General’s Literary Award Finalist Mr. S
“Lone Wolf had me at ‘Grrr.’ Kiah Thomas’s genius-level writing paired with K-Fai Steele at her funniest and most unhinged makes for the most perfect match that reads like an episode of your favorite cartoon. The cast of chipper characters attempting to ruin poor Wolf’s life is side-splitting. Wolf is a hero for introverts everywhere!” —Jess Hannigan, creator of Spider in the Well
“Lone Wolf is a rare and funny character in children’s books, and that makes him very welcome. Everyone has read all the books with the heroes who want to be chums with everyone and it’s all kisses and hugs and frankly I’m sick of them myself. A person (and a wolf) needs personal space sometimes. I think you’ll agree that Lone Wolf speaks to many children who don’t get to be seen in books very often, because book children are always popping off the page and mad things like that. Some children just want to be left in peace, you know! Three cheers for Lone Wolf, and his hilarious quest to be alone in his own way.” —Kate Beaton, Eisner Award–winning creator of Ducks and Princess and the Pony
