Review: Benji Zeb Is a Ravenous Werewolf
Benji Zeb Is a Ravenous Werewolf
by Deke Moulton
Tundra Books, 2024
Category: Middle Grade
Reviewer: Stacy Mozer
Buy at Bookshop.org
Benji Zeb is stressed about his upcoming Bar Mitzvah and worried about the local bully, Caleb, who he secretly likes. He discovers that Caleb's stepfather, Mr. Rutherford, is plotting to shut down his family's kibbutz and wolf sanctuary by releasing the wolves, unaware that the wolves are actually Benji's family, descendants of the first werewolf from the Torah. As it says, "Benjamin is a wolf, he will prey; in the morning he will devour plunder, and in the evening he will divide the spoil." (Genesis 49:27). When Caleb turns into a wolf and arrives at the sanctuary, Benji's new priority becomes saving Caleb from his stepfather. The more they work together and learn about the motivation behind Mr. Rutherford's attack on their community, the more Benji learns to overcome his anxiety and find his own voice.
While the book is a fantasy, it deeply integrates Jewish religious practices into the characters' lives. Caleb’s introduction to this community allows readers to learn about Jewish life alongside him as Benji explains various aspects. The connection to the Genesis passage may also encourage readers to explore the original biblical text. Additionally, the book includes realistic depictions of how hate and antisemitism can be fueled, revealing that Mr. Rutherford's actions are influenced by someone with an agenda to remove the Jewish community. In today's world, it is crucial to expose middle grade readers to how such hate can be propagated and to educate them on ways to counter it.
Benji Zeb is stressed about his upcoming Bar Mitzvah and worried about the local bully, Caleb, who he secretly likes. He discovers that Caleb's stepfather, Mr. Rutherford, is plotting to shut down his family's kibbutz and wolf sanctuary by releasing the wolves, unaware that the wolves are actually Benji's family, descendants of the first werewolf from the Torah. As it says, "Benjamin is a wolf, he will prey; in the morning he will devour plunder, and in the evening he will divide the spoil." (Genesis 49:27). When Caleb turns into a wolf and arrives at the sanctuary, Benji's new priority becomes saving Caleb from his stepfather. The more they work together and learn about the motivation behind Mr. Rutherford's attack on their community, the more Benji learns to overcome his anxiety and find his own voice.
While the book is a fantasy, it deeply integrates Jewish religious practices into the characters' lives. Caleb’s introduction to this community allows readers to learn about Jewish life alongside him as Benji explains various aspects. The connection to the Genesis passage may also encourage readers to explore the original biblical text. Additionally, the book includes realistic depictions of how hate and antisemitism can be fueled, revealing that Mr. Rutherford's actions are influenced by someone with an agenda to remove the Jewish community. In today's world, it is crucial to expose middle grade readers to how such hate can be propagated and to educate them on ways to counter it.
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