Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Stiefvater, M. (2009). Shiver. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 0545123275

Plot Summary

  Grace loves the peacefulness of her backyard woods. She spends hours outside waiting for something that she can't quite place and it isn't until she meets a wolf with yellow eyes that she knows why. When the wolf saves her from an attack by other wolves, he returns every winter to keep an eye on her. When humans are starting to get attacked by the wolves, a hunting party is assembled and heads to the woods to kill. Grace immediately follows and finds a wounded boy who she immediately knows is her wolf with the yellow eyes. Grace takes him in and learns that there are such things as werewolves and that there is such thing as true love. Readers find themselves captivated by the tender and brutal love story between wolf and girl, and their own worlds will never be the same. 

Critical Summary

  Watch out Bella and Jacob, there is a new pair in town! This book was brilliantly written and not cheesy at all. From the first paragraph I was hooked. Despite the fact that most of the characters are werewolves, their relationships with each other and humans are beautifully written and believable. The back story to the beginning of the wolves lives are captivating and unique. I cannot wait for the third book in this installment. 

Readers Annotation

  True love knows no boundaries.

Author Information

  Maggie Stiefvater was born November 18, 1981 and attended Mary Washington College and graduated with a B.A in history, After graduating she worked as a portrait artist who specialized in equestrian art and her art is highly collectible. Maggie has written six novels so far and has the third installment of the Wolves of Mercy Falls series in 2011. 

  Maggie has won numerous awards and nominations as well as national honors. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two children and she continues to write and create art. 

Genre

  Fantasy: Paranormal Romance

Curriculum Ties

  n/a

Booktalking Ideas

  - Why are so many authors writing books about romance with non humans?

  - If you were turned into a werewolf would you want to stay a wolf forever or have the ability to change back into human form?

  - After reading Shiver, can you see this relationship between Grace and Sam lasting?

Reading Level/Interest Age

  9-12th grade/ Young Adult

Challenge Issues

  Underage sex and violence

  Libraries will provide their Collection Development Policy if challenges arise. This book and author has also received numerous national awards and honors. 

Reason for Selection

  The YA Librarian where I worked recommended this book for this assignment. I am also a fan of the Twilight series and paranormal romance.