Aidan Versus the Ocean by Dannika Patterson

Dive into an exhilarating adventure with Aidan Versus the Ocean, a middle-grade novel about a young boy swept out to sea off the rugged West Australian coast.

All Aidan thought he’d have to survive during the summer school holidays was yet another game of Fortnite with his mates. But one teeny-tiny bad decision leads to a whole bunch, and he’s forced to play a real-life game of survival off the wild West Australian coast.

With his Border Collie Barney by his side, will Aidan’s courage, humour and grit, along with inspiration from a few celebrities, be enough to see him get safely home?

As well as being a thrilling independent read, Aidan Versus the Ocean aligns with the Australian Curriculum (Science, HASS, English). With key links and a full set of accompanying teaching notes spanning Years 47, this title would make an ideal whole class set mentor text or classroom read-aloud novel.

This survival story is perfect for middle-grade readers. They’ll be hooked by the fast-paced action, survival tips, courage and humour Aidan uses as he struggles to survive in wild coastal Australia. They’ll be kept on the edge of their seats with every battle Aidan faces as they discover if he’ll ever be rescued.

Sudden storms, circling sharks, venomous snakes and fishing fails, this fast-paced survival adventure is a page-turner for middle-grade readers.

About the Author: Dannika Patterson is a children’s author and presenter with degrees in journalism and psychology. She has written numerous picture books for children including Jacaranda Magic, Scribbly Gum Secrets, Heavy and Hedgehog the Wonder Dog. Dannika’s words and workshops entertain, educate and empower children in a gentle, joyful way.

Aidan Versus the Ocean is her debut middle-grade novel.

Heidi Cooper Smith’s childhood was filled with drawing, and dreams of becoming an illustrator, but at university she fell in love with ceramics and spent the next 20 years elbow deep in clay.

In 2014, she found herself with three children under four and joined an online illustration challenge during naptime to stay sane. Six months later, she was offered her first illustration contract and began writing soon after.

Kate and the Thing is Heidi’s first book as author-illustrator. She has also illustrated The Other Brother (Penny Jaye) and the Amanda Commander series (Coral Vass) for Wombat Books.

01 Jul 2026
 

Aidan Versus the Ocean by Dannika Patterson ISBN 9781761113192