Book Review: Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9 by Anh Do

 Sink or Swim - Wolf Girl 9

by

Anh Do

illustrated by Lachlan Creagh 

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Children's

Publication day: 4th July 2023

Genre: Illustrated Middle Grade

Pages: 256

RRP: 15.99AU (paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Sink or Swim

In Sink or Swim the reader is immediately plunged into the drama as Wolf Girl and her canine friends are being chased by the Hornets.

They escape in a small boat and soon come across a village being destroyed by a landslide. Here Wolf Girl meets Jarrod, a local athlete, and he convinces her to compete in the Championship Games where the winner receives one wish. This is where Wolf Girl is presented with a moral dilemma with who she should free with her wish. Although this dilemma isn't played out in this book.

With simple writing and full page illustrations throughout this isn't a challenging read. The pace starts out fast but slows towards the end of the novel. This is a series that needs to be read from the start as there is no backstory. The baddies are evil and Wolf Girl's doggie friends are fearless and dedicated. I loved the banter between the dogs it added some fun humour to the story. 

 

Extensively illustrated throughout with half and full page black and white sketches which add an extra element of comprehension to the story.

Sink or Swim ends on a cliff hanger that will have readers eager for more.

 

Rating 5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the author

Anh Do is one of Australia's best-loved storytellers. His series, including Wolf Girl, Skydragon and WeirDo, are adored by millions of kids around the country.