About the book: year / The wolf stood on the grass in front of the library. This was not one of those big powerful northern timber wolves you see in the movies. He was much smaller and thinner, like those skinny gray wolves that once lived in Texas. At least I thought they were extinct... but I also remembered the stories the students told about panthers, bears and other dangerous animals that could survive among the islands of wooded area called "The Big Thicket." The hair on my head stood on end. I just knew that this wolf was a wild animal, and not someone’s pet. But still I was not afraid. Perhaps my instincts made my heart beat faster and my muscles tense, but I didn't want to run or fight. I was completely captivated by this strange encounter and felt as if I had been allowed to step into another world. I took a step....