What This Book Is About
Gwen's family is fleeing a bombing raid when she is separated from her parents, and she finds herself alone in the forest. No phone, no map, no adults. Then she meets a pack of stray dogs: a Labrador, a Chihuahua, a greyhound and a wolf puppy. They become her pack, and the question the book keeps asking is whether she has what it takes to lead it.
Written by Vietnamese-Australian author Anh Do and illustrated by Jeremy Ley, Wolf Girl is a survival adventure told in short chapters with pictures throughout. Gwen is resourceful, determined and frightened, sometimes all at once, and she finds abilities in herself she did not know were there. This is book 1 of the series and it ends on a cliffhanger, which is exactly why children go straight on to the next one.
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 throughout, 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.