Let me start by saying this book is a gem. The HarperClassics edition feels solid in your hands – that sturdy cover and smooth paper make it a pleasure to hold. It's the kind of book you want to keep on your shelf forever.

The story? Absolutely gripping. I found myself completely immersed in Julie's Arctic survival journey. The way she learns to communicate with wolves gave me chills – it's so beautifully written you can almost hear the wolf howls yourself.

What surprised me most was how this 'children's book' doesn't shy away from tough topics. Julie's escape from an arranged marriage at 13? That hit hard. But the author handles it with such grace that younger readers can process it while adults appreciate the depth.

The three-part structure is genius. Starting mid-action had me hooked immediately, then the flashback made everything click into place. And that ending! No spoilers, but let's just say I immediately ordered the sequels after finishing.

My only tiny critique? At times I wished for more detail about wolf behavior or Inuit culture. But honestly, that just shows how invested I became in this world – I wanted to stay longer!

Perfect for family reading (though maybe skip the marriage parts for very young kids). My 10-year-old niece became obsessed with wolves after reading it – we've spent hours researching Arctic wildlife together thanks to this book.

Pro tip: Keep tissues handy for Part Three. That final scene with Kapugen? Absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.