Wave

In Wave by Sarah Armstrong, a fast-paced middle grade adventure turns one ordinary afternoon into a full-body test of courage. Set in a coastal Australian town, this survival story follows 13-year-old Max—surfer, beach kid, and proud local—when a sudden tsunami warning sends everyone scrambling for higher ground. Max is home alone, his phone calls go nowhere, and his dog Ralph is missing. As roads clog with panicked evacuees and time tightens, Max has to make smart, split-second choices: who to trust, what to carry, and whether to go it alone or work with the few strangers left behind. The tension builds without relying on graphic violence, keeping the focus on resourcefulness, loyalty, and the emotional weight of survival. Perfect for readers aged 9–14 who love suspense, natural disaster fiction, and real-world stakes—plus teachers and book clubs after a page-turner with plenty to discuss. Take a breath, then dive into Max’s race against the wave.