Here's why:
* Fictional characters and plot: The story revolves around a fictional protagonist, Miyax, and her journey with a wolf pack in the Alaskan wilderness. The events and relationships in the book are not documented historical occurrences.
* Contemporary setting: Although set in the past, the story's themes and context are relevant to contemporary issues like environmentalism, cultural identity, and coming-of-age.
Instead of historical fiction, Julie of the Wolves is classified as Newbery Award-winning young adult fiction with elements of adventure, survival, and animal fantasy.