Where Wolves Don't Die

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your initial reaction to the novel’s blend of a coming-of-age story, a crime mystery, and an exploration of Ojibwe culture? What did you think of the way these elements worked together?

2. How did you feel about Ezra’s journey of self-discovery in the wilderness? If you’ve read other survival or coming-of-age stories set in nature, such as Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, how did Ezra’s experience compare?

3. What were your impressions of the novel’s ending, particularly the resolution of the Schroeder fire mystery and Ezra’s personal healing journey?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Grandpa Liam is a mentor who teaches Ezra practical skills and shares cultural knowledge. Think about a mentor or elder who has been important in your own life. What qualities did they share with Grandpa Liam, and in what ways were they different?

2. Ezra develops a sense of belonging at Red Gut, in contrast to his experiences in Minneapolis. What does the concept of “home” mean to you? Is it more of a physical place, a specific community of people, or a state of mind?

3. Was there a particular skill, story, or piece of wisdom passed down to you from an older generation that has helped shape who you are? How does that experience connect with Ezra’s education on the trapline?

4. Byron and Grandpa Liam have different approaches to sharing cultural knowledge. Have you ever felt drawn to different ways of learning or knowing in your own life? What was that experience like?

5. Ezra’s anger is prominent at the beginning of the story. Have you ever found that understanding someone’s personal history changed your perception of their behavior?

6. Grandpa Liam teaches Ezra that, like wolves, their family thrives best in a pack. Think about your own support system. Who makes up your “pack,” and what role does that sense of community play in your life?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What connections do you see between the history of the Canadian Indian residential school system, as explored through Grandpa Liam’s story of Ethan and Olivia, and the novel’s present-day events?

2. Grandpa Liam’s final act reflects his distrust of the justice system. Where do you see similar concerns about systemic bias playing out in our world today?

3. The story of Adikokan contrasts Ojibwe perspectives on stewardship with an extractive approach to the natural world. In what ways does this conflict resonate with current environmental debates?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The timber wolf, Ogimaa, plays several roles in the novel. What significance does Ogimaa hold beyond his involvement in the plot?

2. At the start of the book, Ezra regards his father, Byron, as weak and ineffective. Which moments, if any, challenge Ezra’s perception of his father?

3. The recurring motif of “dirty snow” in Minneapolis contrasts with the snow of the north. What significance does this contrast have for Ezra’s experiences in the two settings?

4. How does Treuer’s background as a scholar of Ojibwe history and language influence his storytelling in Where Wolves Don’t Die?

5. What do Grandpa Liam and Byron’s contrasting approaches to cultural preservation suggest about their relationships with Ojibwe traditions?

6. This story combines a coming-of-age narrative with a suspenseful mystery. Which genre did you find more central to the story, and why?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were casting a film adaptation of Where Wolves Don’t Die, which actor would you choose to play Grandpa Liam? What qualities make them suitable for the role?

2. The silver wolf emblem on Ezra’s ribbon shirt reflects his identity. If you were to design a personal symbol representing your own heritage or a core part of who you are, what would it look like and what meaning would it hold?

3. What do you imagine the future holds for Ezra and Nora after the novel concludes? What new opportunities or challenges might they encounter as their lives unfold?