Shiver

Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. New York: Scholastic Press.

Shiver is a fantasy book about a girl name Grace who has learned to adore the wolves in the woods behind her house. One particular wolf she calls her own is a yellow-eyed one who she can’t seem to live without. Sam, a boy who lives two lives; as a wolf during the winter and a human during the summer. He has enjoyed the company of a fearless girl during the summer and now longs to stay human in order to stay with her. Grace recognizes this boy’s eyes and discovers he is the wolf she calls her own. After being shot as a wolf, Sam goes to Grace for help. They share each others insecurities supporting one another they fall in love. The sad part is his double life is about to come to an end. Sam is on his last year where he can change human. Soon he will remain wolf forever and have no recollection of his life as a human. To save him, Grace must find a way to keep him human. After the wolves attack another boy in town, Grace discovers there might be hope for curing Sam. She decides to inject the wolves with bacterial meningitis to produce high fevers. In the end Sam is returned to his human form. This book is great for romance lovers and those of which enjoy werewolf stories in particular. This is definitely a must read and a book that will no doubt encourage reluctant readers in grades 8 and higher.