Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of animal death.

Explore the effect of names on the wolves in the book and the influence of names more broadly. Do the wolves’ given names reflect who they are, or do the names influence each wolf to act in accordance with who their name suggests they should be? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Discuss how expectations set Runt up for both success and failure in finding where he belongs. How do the different opinions of Runt’s size influence him, and what choices does Runt make based on those opinions? How do those choices help or hinder him along his journey?

Compare and contrast Runt and Goldie in terms of The Tension Between Autonomy and Belonging. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each character’s version of belonging? How does meeting Goldie contribute to Runt’s journey toward his place in the pack?