Molly Humphrey
EDCI 4120/5120

Rinaldi, A. (1991). Wolf by the ears. New York: Scholastic.

Grade Levels: 9-12
Category: Historical Fiction
Read Alouds: 11-27 (April 1820); 37-46 (April 1820); 139-146 (Early July 1820); 232-248 (The Middle of August 1822)

Summary: Harriet Hemings loves her home at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. She is the daughter of Sally Hemings and supposedly the daughter of her master Thomas Jefferson (something we now know to be true). Harriet’s mother had secured her children’s freedom from Jefferson, but Harriet is reluctant to accept her freedom partially because she loves Jefferson and partially because she does not consider herself a slave, but a servant to Master Jefferson. The prospect of freedom also daunts her. But, when Jefferson’s grandson-in-law tries to rape her, Harriet realizes that her future at Monticello is not as secure as her childhood has been and she struggles to take steps to secure her freedom by learning how to pass into the white world.

Themes: The central theme of this novel is identity. Harriet struggles with both the notion that Thomas Jefferson is her father, as well as the idea of turning her back of the black community she grew up with to take her freedom as a white woman. Race, of course, also plays an important role in the novel. Race affects the characters relationships to one another, specifically Harriet and her siblings’ relationship to Thomas Jefferson.

Discussion Questions:
Why is Harriet’s brother Beverly upset that Harriet wants to pass as white and why does Harriet struggle with this idea herself?
What is involved for Harriet to pass as white?
Why doesn’t Harriet like the idea of freedom at the beginning of the novel?

Reader Response: Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres of literature and this novel did an excellent job of introducing the complexities of race and slavery in America, as well as the complexities of slave owner and slave relations. I learned a great deal about Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings from this novel and it makes me want to learn more, which is one of the reasons historical fiction is so great. The one drawback I see students having from reading historical fiction is taking it at face value; it’s easy to think the novels are true, mostly because the novels are so fascinating that I, for one, just want it to be true.

Harriet Hemmings, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and his slave, Sally Hemmings, longs to be told the truth of her heritage. At the age of 21 she is given her freedom but must make the difficult choice of leaving her past behind as she passes as a white woman. Story for older young adults in exploring topics of slavery, freedom, and alienation. Cross curricula book that can be used in history, English, ethics and government classes. A bibliography is included for further research. A bit slow moving at timesHa ( )