Wolf by the Ears is a fictionalized account of Harriet Hemings, the possible illegitimate daughter of Thomas Jefferson. While this novel embraces a controversial subject, it is a beautiful story of a young woman's struggle to understand the world she lives in and her place in that world. Ann Rinaldi is an award-winning writer who once again brings to life a small piece of history for young adults to explore and enjoy.

Harriet Hemings is a slave who lives at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home. Rumors abound that Jefferson is her father, but Harriet does not know what to think of those rumors. Harriet's mother will not discuss it with her, and there is no one else for her to ask except her brother, Beverly, an angry young man who believes not only that Jefferson is his father but that the man should publicly announce his connection...