WOLF GIRL

Fleeing from conflict and separated from her family, a young girl lost in the wild must learn to survive with the help of her new animal companions.

“We have to move fast! They’re coming!,” says Gwen’s mom as she shakes her awake. Equipped only with what they can hastily fit into their car, Gwen’s family flees into the night. After Dad crashes the car, the family runs toward a forest, seeking safety from an overhead bomber, but Gwen ends up separated and lost in the wilderness. While trying to find her mom, dad, and older sister, Gwen discovers she’s not alone—a misfit band of dogs saves her from drowning, and they quickly become inseparable. Together with her new animal companions, Gwen recalls advice from her parents, honing her instincts and learning how to survive. Roughly three years later, Gwen is “no longer a helpless little girl” but the “leader of a pack of animals” that has become her family—but she never forgets her human family, and a pivotal moment sends Gwen and her pack on an unexpected journey. Captivating black-and-white illustrations appear on nearly every page, adding to the tale’s suspense. Vietnamese Australian author, artist, and performer Do strikes just the right balance between realism and fiction in this fast-paced, highly engaging story of friendship, loyalty, surprises, and survival with an alluring cliffhanger ending. Gwen has light skin and dark hair.

An entertaining, action-packed series opener.