Julie Cummins (Booklist, Oct. 15, 2002 (Vol. 99, No. 4))
Born with his father's black fur and white marking, Runt is the fifth and last wolf pup in the family. He's also the smallest, and his size dictates his standing in the pack. Though he is always last, he's both curious about his world and determined to prove himself to King, his father. Unfortunately, his efforts earn him only disapproval, which culminates when, with the help of dreaded humans, he survives an encounter with a porcupine that ultimately kills his brother. Not until Bider, a white male, challenges King for leadership of the pack is Runt able to prove his worth. Runt's determination rescues the pack and earns him a new name, Singer. With an economy of words, Bauer precisely and vividly conveys the wolves' wild world--their surroundings as well as their hierarchical relationships, behavior, and culture. She also provides more about wolves in an appended discussion that tackles assumptions about wolves and expresses hope that the story will increase empathy for the complex, fascinating creatures. Her passion for the animals is evident throughout this compelling, poignant story. There's a ready-made audience for this, Bauer's first novel about animals. A bibliography of books for adults and for young people is appended. Category: Books for Middle Readers--Fiction. 2002, Clarion, $15. Gr. 3-6. Starred Review

Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature)
Deep in the woods, five pups are born to the lead wolf and his mate. The fifth and smallest of these is Runt. At first, he doesn't know he is any different from his sisters and brothers. Once they are old enough to leave the den, he comes to know that he is smaller, weaker, less skilled. Runt wants desperately to fit in and to earn a new name. He struggles to learn about wolf life, but he often makes mistakes and the results are sometimes catastrophic. Will Runt ever find his place in the pack? Marion Dane Bauer's novel is a well-researched animal story, full of facts about this intriguing animal. However, this story also resonates with meaning about human growth and life. Readers who are interested in wolves will appreciate the bibliographies of fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. 2002, Clarion, $14.00. Ages 8 to 12.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2002 (Vol. 70, No. 19))
Runt is the name given to the smallest and last-born pup in the litter by King, his father. Although treated kindly by his family and the rest of the pack, Runt constantly feels the need to prove himself. His sisters and brothers are each named for a particular skill or attribute, like Hunter, Helper, and Sniffer. Runt doesn't seem able to measure up and worries that he will always be an outsider, tolerated but not needed. He experiences uncertainty and pain and loss as the pack strives for survival. Although it does not seem to be Bauer's intention, these very human emotions are the most successful element of the work. The plot is overly contrived, setting up a neat lesson about the habits and needs of wolves, including hunting practices and dangers, fighting for the position of pack leader, and relationships to humans and other creatures. In an afterword, the author provides much additional information about wolves and their habits and strongly indicates that her sole purpose in creating Runt's story is to enhance readers' empathy for these endangered creatures. She also includes a bibliography that will lead readers to accurate information about wolves as well as fictional works that succeed far better than this one. 2002, Clarion, $15.00. Category: Fiction. Ages 8 to 10. © 2002 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.