Julie of the Wolves is a book about an ethnic group on the verge of extinction.

Although specifically about the Eskimo, the book raises questions about cultural roots and about conflicts between cultures that are transferrable to discussions of many different ethnic groups.

The novel also encourages environmental awareness, and is infused by an almost religious expression of humanity's dependence on the natural world.

The stresses of Julie's arranged marriage are handled with care. Julie's husband, Daniel, appears to be mentally disabled. He attempts (and fails) to rape Julie to prove his manhood to his friends; George uses this incident to show that Julie's reasons for leaving the Eskimo village are not frivolous ones.