Wild Life by Cynthia DeFelice is a coming of age story. 12 year old Erik is being sent to live with his grandparents in North Dakota after both of his parents are called up to serve in Iraq. Erik doesn’t remember his grandparents, he hasn’t seen them in years, and he’s dreading the move. He is also angry he’ll be missing his first hunting trip with his best friend.
Once he gets to North Dakota he finds a meek Oma and a gruff grandpa, Big Darrell, who seem to be hiding something from Erik. Unexpectedly, a hunting dog, who has been hit by a porcupine, arrives at the farm. Erik has an immediate attachment with the dog and is distressed to learn that the owner is on the way to get her. Unhappy with his situation, Erik decides his only alternative is to run away with the dog. Read to find out if Erik and the dog can survive on the harsh prairie or if Erik is found and has to return the dog.