Revue de presse :
"A Wolf at the Gate is a simple story that evokes profound and fundamental themes: survival, hunger, war and violence, law and justice, fear, greed, and predation. In the hands of Mark Van Steenwyk it becomes a transformative parable of truth and reconciliation, the power of community, and the dazzling force of love enacted in the public square, the very heart of justice." --Bill Ayers, author of Public Enemy: Confessions of an American Dissident
"Van Steenwyk writes in sharp, muscular prose highly suitable for the fabulistic subject matter, deftly navigating both the darker and lighter segments of the story. The true standouts of the book, however, are the illustrations by Joel Hedstrom...full-page illustrations in brilliant colors that feel simultaneously ancient and stylishly contemporary. The result is a book out of time: a coupling of narrative and illustration that should stoke the imagination of any young modern reader. A visually stunning work addressing themes of peace, generosity, and forgiveness. --Kirkus (starred review)
"What a cutting-edge book! This retelling of a timeless story through fresh eyes not only provides a deeper insight into its original values, it also gives the story contemporary relevance. And the illustrations are an absolutely perfect embodiment of the book's soul." --Innosanto Nagara, author of A is for Activist
"In A Wolf at the Gate, we find a medieval fable made potently relevant. With solid prose and timeless illustrations, this book is recommended to all families passionate about social justice and living in harmony with the Earth." --Chris Crass, author of Towards Collective Liberation: Anti-racist Organizing, Feminist Praxis, and Movement Building Strategy
"Van Steenwyk retells the story of St. Francis of Assisi and the wolf of Gubbio in his first book for children. This time, the story is narrated from the point of view of the wolf with a red coat, 'born under the red glow of the Hunter's Moon,' a clever shift that adds tension and new beauty to a familiar tale. When her pack is forced to leave their native forest because humans in nearby Stonebriar deplete the wolves' food, she remains. Angry and starving, the red wolf begins to prey on humans and their livestock. Soon, Blood Wolf, as she is now called, meets the Beggar King, 'beloved by the common folk.' Under his tutelage, she transforms from angry, violent predator feared by animals and humans alike to kind friend to all, renamed Sister Wolf. As a result of her instruction from the Beggar King, Sister Wolf comes to understand that all life is worth preserving and that loving kindness is the greatest of all gifts. Influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, Hedstrom's stark, solid, and lovely illustrations appear throughout." --Publishers Weekly
"A canvas upon which to paint several thematically connected stories, all informed by Mark's commitment to social justice and child-like sense of wonder." --Picture Books Review
Biographie de l'auteur :
As a lonely child, Mark Van Steenwyk read voraciously. He even, over a cold winter in 1984, read through an entire set of encyclopedias. Later, when his social skills increased and he found friends, Mark never turned his back on his beloved books. After attending seminary, Mark wrote several books: The Missio Dei Breviary, That Holy Anarchist, and The unKingdom of God. While he is generally known as a writer of spiritual nonfiction, his great love has always been literature. A Wolf at the Gate marks his first foray into this hidden passion. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife Amy, his son Jonas, and an assortment of friends.
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