The narrative unfolds on the expansive, barren plains of the far north, known as the tundra. Harsh winds, driving snow, and dense fog sweep across this desolate landscape. Beneath the surface lies permafrost, a perpetually frozen layer of soil that prevents water drainage and root growth. The tundra is blanketed by a thin, soggy layer of dwarf plants, sedges, mosses, lichens, and grasses.

The tundra environment is integral to the story, almost serving as a character itself and influencing the plot's details. With no wood available for fires, Julie resorts to collecting dried caribou droppings. The rolling landscape lacks distinct landmarks, prompting Julie to camp in a small depression for wind protection. Whenever she ventures out, she must carefully mark her path to ensure she can find her way back. The arctic summer, lasting only two or three months, features a sun that never sets but merely circles the horizon, making it impossible to use for navigation. Julie must wait until autumn, when migrating birds indicate the direction south, and winter, when the pole star becomes visible, to guide her through the wilderness.

Julie of the Wolves is a relatively short book, divided into three parts. The first part is an extensive section detailing Julie's life on the tundra and her interactions with the wolves. The second part is a brief flashback focusing on her life on Nunivak Island and her troubled relationship with Daniel. The final part is a longer section about her journey back to civilization.

The wolves in the story are given human-like qualities, and Julie's relationship with them is portrayed in a very sentimental manner. The death of Amaroq has a profound effect on empathetic young readers, similar to the emotional impact of Bambi's mother's death. George's use of anthropomorphism does not diminish the material; rather, it makes it significantly more engaging. This emotional connection between the reader and the animal characters greatly strengthens the novel's environmental message.

The underlying city-country contrast in the story draws somewhat on traditional pastoral themes. Joy, virtue, and love are found in the idealized rural life, where characters find respite from the pressures of urban life and civilization. However, realism disrupts this pastoral ideal. Julie ultimately realizes that the wilderness is only a temporary refuge. The pastoral ideal becomes an internalized memory of a lost golden age, a recollection that must be carefully preserved in the imagination, where it serves as a benchmark of virtue.

Julie of the Wolves explores the story of an ethnic group on the brink of extinction. While it focuses on the Eskimo, the book prompts readers to consider questions about cultural heritage and the tensions that arise between different cultures. These themes are applicable to many ethnic groups. The novel also promotes environmental consciousness and conveys a nearly spiritual message about humanity's reliance on nature.

The challenges of Julie's arranged marriage are portrayed with sensitivity. Her husband, Daniel, is depicted as mentally disabled. He unsuccessfully tries to rape Julie in an attempt to prove his masculinity to his peers. This incident is used by George to illustrate that Julie's decision to leave the Eskimo village is based on serious and legitimate reasons.

George, Jean Craighead. Journey Inward. New York: E. P. Dutton, 1982. This autobiography offers a comprehensive look at the context surrounding the creation of George's books and highlights her profound appreciation for nature.

"Newbery Award Acceptance." Horn Book 49 (August 1973): 337-347. This article details the research process behind the writing of Julie of the Wolves.

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. "Jean Craighead George." Elementary English 50 (October 1973): 1049-1053. Provides an overview of George's body of work, featuring numerous autobiographical excerpts about her inspiration for writing specific books.

Scott, Jon C. "Jean George's Arctic Pastoral: A Reading of Julie of the Wolves." Children's Literature 3 (1974): 131-139. Analyzes the novel as a part of the pastoral tradition in literature.