It doesn’t take long for Ben to realise that his parents are in trouble. Ben’s always dreamt of becoming a detective – his dad even calls him ‘Cop’. Now Ben gathers evidence and tries to uncover what his parents have done.
The problem is, if he figures it out, what does he do? Tell someone? Or keep the secret and live life on the run?
Thoughts: This is the first of the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted Younger Readers books. It definitely falls into the upper end of the younger readers section. The book explores some interesting themes, right and wrong, family and loyalty towards them. It would appeal particularly to boys, especially those who live similar lives to Ben in terms of a lot of screen time and not a lot of outside, getting dirty time. It would be interesting to ask them how they think they would cope, what skills they would need and what decisions they would make. I think they would also identify with his insecurity and how he is unsure of what is going on and what he should do. His annoyance at the wonderfully stubborn Olive, his younger sister, yet his drive to look after her is also something to be explored.
The tension in the book is well built. You know things can't continue the way they are going, but you're not sure how they will be resolved. You know that regardless, Ben will never be the same and quite possibly, despite the hardships, he will be better off for the experience he has had.
Two Wolves gets 3 stars!
* Did not like it
** It was OK
*** Liked it
**** Really liked it
* Did not like it
** It was OK
*** Liked it
**** Really liked it
***** It was amazing
