Reviews for Wabi: A Hero's Tale

The average rating for Wabi: A Hero's Tale based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-05-18 00:00:00 Stefano Boych Joseph Bruchac, a gifted and prolific author who has explored his Abenaki (Native American) heritage through numerous genres of writing, including historical, contemporary and horror fiction; poetry, folktale anthologies; picture books; juvenile biographies; and non-fiction; here adds to his growing repertoire by making his first foray into the world of fantasy. Wabi, so named because of his white feathers, is an unusually large and intelligent owl, raised by his wise Great-Grandmother, with whom he can converse in the human tongue. It is this ability that allows Wabi to observe and understand the humans who live in the village near his home. As he grows fond of "his" humans, Wabi gradually becomes their Village Guardian, protecting them from various monsters. But the more he sees of humans, the more he longs to be a part of their community, especially when he begins to fall in love with Dojihla, a strong-willed young Abenaki maiden. Wabi's transformation into a human man is not without its dangers however, chief among them rejection and heartbreak, and our hero soon finds himself on a quest that takes him far from home... As someone who admires Joseph Bruchac and has an interest in the connection between fantasy and folklore, this novel was of real interest to me. It is clear that Bruchac draws heavily upon traditional Abenaki folklore in writing Wabi, but I found myself wondering whether the various names and monsters were taken directly from tradition, or whether the author transformed them in any way for narrative purposes. I enjoyed Wabi, but although Bruchac has told an engaging story, I found his narrative lacked some of the emotional power of his other works, notably: The Arrow Over the Door and Hidden Roots . One other note: I noticed that some of the Abenaki words, like "bedagiak," which means "Thunder Beings," have the same suffix as the word for the American colonists: "Bostoniak." I found myself wondering if the suffix "iak" or "ak" is always added to a word for a group of beings/people? (As always reader, write me if you know...)

Review # 2 was written on 2013-02-24 00:00:00 Roger Ewald Maureen Judith Shea Wabi : A Hero's Tale (2006J. Bruchac, Wabi: A Hero's Tale (p. 198). New York: Dial Books. Genre: Fantasy Awards: Maine Student Book Award Format: print Selection process: Reviewed the books suggested in the textbook Literature for Today's Young Adult by Allsen P. Nelsen . Then looked for available books by Joseph Bruchacin the local library and found "Wabi: A Hero's Tale" available in the Yong Adult section of the library. Review: Wabi is an owlet newly hatched in his mother's nest, and immediately has sibling problems. His big brother eventually kicks him right out of the nest. Fortunately for Wabi, he has a very patient great-grandmother who , in addition to saves him, also guides him as he grows up. Wabi develops a fondness for the nearby human village and develops a protective "duty" towards it. He then falls in love with the chief's daughter, Dojihla. Wabi's great- grandmother senses that Wabi wishes to become human for a chance to win Dojihla's heart. Great- grandmother mysteriously grants this wish. Unfortuanately, Dojihla initially rejects him. Heatbroken, Wabi begins a quest to aide his animal companions to find their true home. Through his compassion and bravery, Wabi and his friends achieve their goals. On their way back from their dangereous mission, Wabi sensestht the village he protected is in danger. He bravely fights the bear and saves the village, only to find that his great-grandmother took part in protecting the villagers. She also missed Wabi so much, she too becomes human! Dojihla and Wabi ultimately are united. Family is the strongest tie throughout this novel. Great -Grandmother Owl insured that Wabi was well cared for. Wabi, in turn, grew to be a compassionate owl and learned to love. Shapeshifting was a trend throughout Wabi's family line but the main message was to honor life, in all it's wonder. Highly Recommend References: (2006). Wabi; A Hero's Tale. In Joseph Bruchac Wabi; A Hero's Tale (p. 198). New York: Dial Books. (2013). A. P. Nilsen, B. James, K. L. Donelson, & N. D. F., Literature for Today's Young Adults (p. 482). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. Sony Reader Store. Retrieved from