Curse of a Winter Moon — Mary Casanova

Six years ago, twelve-year-old Marius lost his mother during the birth of his brother, Jean-Pierre, and her dying wish was that he watch over his brother. But because Jean-Pierre was born on Christmas Eve, villagers believe he is marked with the curse of the loup garou -- the werewolf. Protecting Jean-Pierre has been a never-ending struggle as townsfolk constantly eye the boy with dread and suspicion. To make matters worse, his country is swept up in a hysterical campaign to find and destroy enemies of the Church, and now the villagers have made Jean-Pierre their target. Marius must defy the ruling institutions of the time to save his brother's life -- and his own.

Winner of a 2001 Minnesota Book Award, Curse of a Winter Moon is a harrowing story of one boy's fierce devotion to his family as he battles against prejudice and fear.