Lumi and the Wolf
A Nature Adventure for Readers Aged 9-12
Hi there!
About the book
Lumi and the Wolf is a cosy middle-grade adventure set in snowy Lapland, where an autistic girl befriends a hunted wolf and decides to save him.
When Lumi travels north for the winter, she’s homesick and struggles to adjust to the unfamiliar landscape. Everything changes when she encounters a white wolf. As Lumi gets to know the animal and finds out he is being hunted, she decides to lead him to the national park. What follows is a dangerous journey through the wintry landscape of Lapland.
Perfect for readers aged 9–12, this nature-filled story explores friendship, courage and empathy for animals, while celebrating neurodivergence.
Themes of
Lumi & the Wolf
What is it about?
Friendship between humans and animals
Empathy for wildlife: including subtle tips on how to help preserve the environment with small actions.
Neurodivergence: this is celebrated as a strength, because Lumi’s autistic way of noticing details is what helps her reach her goal.
Standing up for what is right.
Belonging and identity: As a girl with Finnish roots, Lumi explores what it means to belong to a place and a culture. Her new friend Oskár also explores his Sámi heritage (find out about my research here).
Who is it for?
Who will enjoy reading the book?
Nature and animal lovers who love books like these
Readers interested in neurodivergence: we learn a lot about Lumi’s autism.
Adventure fans: Danger, cliffhangers and a fast pace.
Reluctant readers: Short, bingeable chapters (about 3 pages) keep the story moving.
Ages 9–12 (middle grade)
Highly illustrated
Short chapters and the fast pace make the book accessible for developing (or reluctant) readers.
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age range: 9–12
Themes: Nature, Wolves, Friendship
Setting: Lapland, Finland
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group, Starboard Imprint
Publication date: 24 September 2026
Synopsis:
A lonely autistic girl befriends a white wolf – but to save his life, she must first learn to trust her own strengths. A heart-warming, epic adventure across the snowy wilderness and cosy settings of Lapland by a new and truly inspiring storyteller. Beautifully illustrated by award-winning Jason Cockroft. Perfect for readers 8+, and fans of Hannah Gold, Elle McNicoll, and Michael Morpurgo.
Lumi is far from thrilled when her parents send her to stay in Lapland with her aunt and uncle – especially because being autistic makes it hard for her to adjust to the new place. But everything changes when she befriends a lone white wolf. So when hunters threaten his life, Lumi makes a brave decision: she will save him by leading him to a national park.
Scouting a trail through the frozen wilderness, making camp in cosy hiking cabins, and even trying saunas and ice-swimming, Lumi begins to open up to Lapland and even accepts the help of local boy Oskár. But with danger at their heels, can they find safety in time – and a place to belong?