First published 1993
Turgen lives alone on a Siberian mountain peak, sharing the harsh landscape with a herd of wild rams. These magnificent creatures have roamed these heights for generations, but now they face a deadly threat. Hunters arrive seeking the rams for their valuable horns and meat. Turgen must choose between his own safety and protecting the animals he has come to know and respect. The mountain becomes a battleground where one man's determination stands against those who would destroy what remains of the wilderness. As winter approaches and the danger intensifies, Turgen discovers what it truly means to be a defender of the wild. This Newbery Honor book explores the bond between humans and nature through the eyes of a solitary guardian who risks everything for creatures that cannot protect themselves.
Genres: fiction, nature, animals, adventure
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: guardian-protector, man-vs-nature
Setting: Siberia, Mountain Peak
Period: Winter
144 pages · Paperback · Walker Childrens