Sarah Armstrong delivers a fast-paced survival adventure that knows exactly when to turn up the tension. Short chapters and plenty of cliffhanger endings make The Wave particularly well suited to readers who need a compelling reason to keep turning the page. The danger feels immediate without becoming overly frightening or graphic, making this an accessible high-stakes read for middle grade readers.
The Australian coastal setting is a real strength. The story captures a community where long-term residents are increasingly surrounded by holiday homes, bringing questions about who gets to belong and what happens when a place becomes unaffordable for the people who have always called it home. Socioeconomic differences, family circumstances and the experience of going without are all woven into the story, alongside a reminder that appearances can be deceptive. Assumptions about people are challenged as more of the story is revealed, encouraging readers to look beyond first impressions and consider the circumstances behind someone’s choices.
The characters are not always easy to like, and that works in the novel’s favour. Each has flaws, makes questionable choices and carries assumptions about other people. Their imperfections make the story feel grounded, while the pressure of the unfolding disaster pushes those relationships in unexpected directions. These ideas add depth without ever overshadowing the action.
At its heart, The Wave is about finding courage when there seems to be no easy way forward. Suspenseful, accessible and distinctly Australian, this is a gripping adventure that keeps the pages turning while opening the door to meaningful conversations about community, judgement, privilege and what it means to look out for others.
Title: The Wave
Author: Sarah Armstrong
Publisher: Scholastic, $18.99
Publication Date: 18 August, 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761217951
For ages: 9-14 years
Type: Middle Grade
