Book Review: From Dog to Wolf

From Dog to Wolf. Delbert Sandlin, MindStir Media, May 5, 2021, Paperback and E-Book, 194 pages.

Review by Denise Roma.

From Dog to Wolf by Lake Forest, IL author Delbert Sandlin is the story of a Native American boy, his tribe, and its history. Through the voice of young teen Daniel, we hear the well-known stories of the U.S. government's theft of land from tribes, the breaking of treaties, and the battle of Wounded Knee.

Sandlin tells of the realities of native people whose land was stolen and then sent out to infertile land to live lives of poverty. His protagonist and other young characters struggle with wanting to leave their reservation while not wanting to abandon their families and traditions. Sandlin offers an interesting historical dive into American Indian life.

A mentor named Horace sends him into the woods on a vision quest to build the confidence and resolve that Daniel needs as a young man. Daniel must survive for days without food and water. He emerges with the knowledge that he can withstand hardship, along with an important vision that his grandmother is able to interpret. This experience prepares Daniel for a role within his tribe where he must fight for his people and, in doing so, gain retribution for them.

This book will appeal to readers in their early teens. They will cheer for Daniel as he overcomes his older brother's bullying and finds his place in the tribe beyond that of a child.

As Daniel becomes part of a political game with the corrupt politicians and president, his speech and manner shift abruptly to that of a college-educated adult acting as negotiator for his tribe. For me as a reader, this character change felt a bit jarring and unrealistic. However, this is young adult fiction where young boys can be heroes, and we wouldn't want it any other way.

When I read a novel, I want to connect with the characters and grow to love them. The characters of Daniel and his immediate family—his grandmother and brother—are drawn well, and I was able to care about and understand them. The relationship between Horace and Daniel is believable and effective. The teacher character spoke in a lengthy and academic way, like a character on a TV show aimed at children or teens, which is appropriate given the audience of this book.

The heart of this book is in the telling of the story of the Native American people, which young adult readers can learn from and enjoy.