Benji Zeb Is a Ravenous Werewolf by Deke Moulton

This book is a finalist for a 2024 Cybils Book Award in Elementary/Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction.

What worked:

Benji narrates the story which allows readers to become immersed in his thoughts and emotions. He has overwhelming anxiety, especially around his family, and he fears he’ll lose control. He has trouble expressing himself to his family and the pressure causes him to escape situations. In school, Benji must keep his werewolf identity secret which adds to his stress. Then, Benji has a crush on a boy named Caleb and doesn’t know how to act around him. The pair were friends until the start of this school year and Benji doesn’t understand what happened. Benji keeps all of his anxiety inside and changing to his wolf form is the only time he feels free.

The story offers a whole new perspective on werewolves. Changing into a werewolf has nothing to do with full moons as they control when they transition. Benji can normally manage his changes although he fears his anxiety will eventually cause him to lose control. Another mistaken myth is that a werewolf bite will result in the victim becoming a werewolf. Werewolves are born from werewolf parents. Both mother and father must carry the werewolf trait even though the gene may be recessive. This means the parents may not display the signs of being werewolves even though they carry the DNA for it. Readers learn all of the nuances of being a werewolf when Benji is forced to teach the newly transformed Caleb about his new life.

A large conflict slowly emerges that will guide the plot and amp up the drama. Benji’s family owns and runs a wolf sanctuary but many of their neighbors raise cattle. Caleb’s stepfather is angry the sanctuary will receive proceeds from a local fair instead of the farmers. However, readers learn the anger goes beyond the fair. Caleb’s stepfather also hates Benji’s family because they’re Jewish and Caleb’s been taught negative, prejudicial ideas for years. The plot goes beyond the topic of werewolves as Benji educates Caleb about the traditions and history of Judaism.

What didn’t work as well:

Some parts of the book come across as more instructional than fictional narrative. Caleb doesn’t know about Benji’s family life or he’s been told incorrect information so Benji spends much of his time teaching Caleb about werewolves, wolves, and Judaism. Much of the story finds Benji translating Hebrew language or explaining why his family performs different traditions. The information could have been woven into the story more seamlessly.

The final verdict:

The creative take on werewolves is a highlight as it’s more of a culture choice than a curse. The abundant explanations of being werewolves and Jewish may not have universal appeal but the conflict with Caleb’s father adds drama to the plot. Overall, the book will make readers think and I recommend you give it a shot.