What This Book Is About
When a devastating disaster separates young Gwen from her family, she finds herself completely alone in the Australian wilderness. No phone, no map, no adults. Just dense bush, strange noises, and the creeping realization that she has to survive on her own. Then she meets a wolf puppy, a loyal Labrador, a tiny but fierce Chihuahua, and a lightning-fast greyhound. These four unlikely companions become her pack, and together they face wild animals, raging rivers, and dangerous strangers.
Written by Vietnamese-Australian author Anh Do, Wolf Girl is a heart-pounding survival adventure packed with black-and-white illustrations on nearly every page. Gwen is resourceful, determined, and scared, sometimes all at once. She builds shelters, forages for food, and discovers strengths she never knew she had. The book reads like a movie, with short chapters and constant cliffhangers that make it nearly impossible to stop. It's the kind of story that turns reluctant readers into page-turners and launches kids into a series they'll devour book after book.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Wolf Girl is an exceptional choice for building reading confidence. Its combination of short chapters, abundant illustrations, and relentless pace makes it irresistible to readers at every level, especially those who struggle to finish longer novels. At UWC, developing a love of reading is as important as developing reading skill, and this book delivers both. Students who finish it are eager to read the next one, building the reading habit that sustains academic growth.
The book also brings a valuable perspective to the classroom. Author Anh Do is a Vietnamese refugee who arrived in Australia as a child, and his storytelling reflects a diverse, multicultural voice that aligns with UWC's commitment to international-mindedness. Gwen's journey of resilience, self-reliance, and caring for her animal companions mirrors the themes of adaptability and compassion that UWC values in every student.
Reading Level Guide
Building up to this book. The illustrations help, but try Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dog Man to build fluency first.
Perfect difficulty. Short chapters, illustrations on every page, and a fast pace make this an ideal confidence builder.
A comfortable, quick read at B1. Try Hatchet or The Wild Robot for a deeper survival story.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.