This captivating story was published in 2019 by Australian author, Anh Do. It became an instant mega bestseller and a whopping eleven additional Wolf Girl books followed.

Harper Collins finally brought this blockbuster to America last March with the release of INTO THE WILD. A thrilling plot and a fast paced read make it the perfect choice for dog lovers and those boys and girls out there who would rather do anything than read a book. Be assured they’ll have a hard time putting this one down.

In the opening chapter Gwen is woken up by her mother who says “We have to move fast. They’re coming!” The whole family including dad and younger sister take what they can and head off in their car along with all the other residents. They don’t get far before all traffic is stopped and everyone takes off running. A plane overhead is dropping bombs.

Dad encourages Gwen to keep going while he assists his other daughter. She does exactly that and does not see them again. Gwen ends up alone in the wilderness and falls into a fast moving river. A wolf puppy, a Labrador, a Chihuahua, and a greyhound save her life. They soon become family to help each other survive.

Released in paperback, the 224 pages have black and white illustrations throughout that blend well with the text. They add to the action present throughout the story. The bond Gwen gains with her new animal friends is the heartwarming aspect of book 1. There is a huge cliffhanger at the end which left me with many unanswered questions.

• Who is responsible for the attack on their town? country?
• Why doesn’t Gwen find her family or any other humans? Are they all dead or captured?
• Where did these dogs come from? Maybe they were separated from their owners.
• Did three years in the wilderness actually pass before Gwen finds any help?

I’ll have to wait for any answers in Book 2.. We do see a change in Gwen as she becomes stronger and learns new survival skills. The companionship with the dogs will also be very familiar with dog owners. It’s no wonder INTO THE WILD gained such a following as it has everything you expect in a middle grade action/survival tale. I wish their was s library binding edition as this one would fly off the shelves.

Recommended for those just starting out with middle grade books and anyone who is already an established reader at this level. Jump right in and be hooked like I am.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: WOLF GIRL INTO THE WILD by Anh Do

1. It’s an easy read without simplifying the language. It helps that the layout and spacing of the text is so well done.
2. If you like reading out loud or reading a story with your middle grader, then look no further than INTO THE WILD. So many plot points to be discussed and shared.
3. Many surprises especially in the closing chapter. The author really knows how to engage readers.
4. The dogs each have their own strengths rather than being all the same. You will find a favorite while getting to know this crew.
5. Having a memorable and engaging main character is a must to carry a series forward and Gwen fills the bill with perfection.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anh Do is a comedian, artist, and one of the highest-selling Australian authors of all time. He is a prolific author with an incredible thirty-seven books to his name—and counting! Along with the “WeirDo” books, some of the most popular Anh Do books include The Happiest Refugee, for which Do won the Australian Independent Booksellers Book of the Year in 2011, and the “Wolf Girl” kids’ adventure series. (Check out his author/entertainer web site)

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