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Grace in Shiver and Fern in Charlotte's Web have something in common: they're both in love with animals. Besides the obvious difference that Sam would eat Wilbur given half a chance, there's more to Grace's love for Sam. It's romantic. Even when he's in wolf form. Let that sink in a bit and judge the creepiness level for yourself.
When Sam's human, their love isn't as creepy. Their love is a source of warmth, and in a world where the cold changes Sam from human to animal, it's all they have to keep them going. Love really does make their world go around.
From reading all the young adult lit we read, we know that love is of paramount importance in these stories. For Sam, keeping Grace in his life literally is the difference between life and death.
Sam and Grace's love rises from an intense loneliness. Grace doesn't have any close friendships or family, and Sam is basically isolated for four or five months out of the year. It's no wonder they want to spend forever together.