2021-04-30
A therapy dog embarks on an adventure with three young clients to solve a mystery.
Silver Labrador Luna is close to receiving her 50-visit pin—a benchmark that will cement her status as an official therapy dog. But when her handler, Tessa, decides to form a new group to support children with emotional struggles, Luna’s progress might just be put on hold. Each child has their own reasons that bring them to counseling, issues that Luna describes with original, simile-heavy descriptions: Amelia, who deals with shadowy fear and anxiety; Beatrice, often angry like a tangled knot; Caleb, his personality like a rushing waterfall; and Hector, quiet and still like a river rock. When Hector doesn’t show up to a session, the remaining three decide to take it upon themselves to find him, escaping while Tessa is otherwise occupied. Luna accompanies the three children, ensuring their safety and stability as they try to track down their missing peer. Luna dazzles as the protagonist, supplying clever dog-related wordplay and adorable canine nuggets of wisdom throughout. The relationship between Luna and her young clients brims with delightful banter. Genuine sentiments about mental health, loyalty, and appreciating what makes us each different will leave readers with well-earned warmth. Tessa and Beatrice default to White; Caleb has a White mom and Black dad; and Amelia and Hector are Latinx.
Terribly sweet from start to finish. (author's note) (Fiction. 8-12)
Praise for Zeus, Dog of Chaos: "Readers who have always wondered what their pets are really thinking will love this cleverly written story from the perspective of Zeus, a German Shepherd service dog. Young readers who love dogs, play an instrument in band, or have experience with invisible illness will relate to Madden and his desire to just be a regular middle-school kid." — School Library Journal
Praise for A Dog Like Daisy: “Daisy’s wry comments on human foibles and eccentricities...combine to paint a moving picture of suffering and, ultimately, redemption. Daisy is distinctive and memorable, and this depiction of PTSD is useful, making this a fine, compelling tale.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Avid canine lovers will surely appreciate the intimate look at Daisy’s yearning for purpose. The focus on...service dogs should enlighten readers about the ways our four-legged companions function as more than just pets. A poignant animal tale, and a strong addition to most collections.” — School Library Journal
“Daisy’s voice is strong, painting a world with canine synesthesia: happy days are yellow, untruths taste like turkey bacon. With joint appeal to children of soldiers and dog-lovers, this is likely to find a broad audience.” — Booklist Online
“The emotional journey of veterans experiencing PTSD is a difficult subject, and this book explores it with empathy and candor. The commitment of these characters—human and canine—to confront their past and find freedom in the future offers an inspiring example of personal resilience.” — Chapter 16
“Beautifully written, this big-hearted book is filled with courage, guts, loyalty, and hope, just like Daisy herself. Truly a celebration of the healing power of love!” — Bobbie Pyron, author of A Dog’s Way Home
“A story that is at once heartbreaking and heart healing. It is a story that reminds us that wisdom can be found in unlikely places. That our enemies can become our best friends. And that what we need is sometimes right in front of us.” — Lois Sepahban, author of Paper Wishes
Praise for The 13th Sign: “An original, action-packed plot, a resilient heroine, a twist ending and 12 sly, angry Keepers will hold readers on edge. The ultimate astrological fantasy.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The swiftly paced plot will please readers used to Hunger Games-style action. Kids into astrology and horoscopes will hang on every chapter, especially when they find out that the concept of Ophiuchus exists and is used in some beliefs.” — Booklist Online
Praise for Selling Hope: “Tubb deftly ingrains a thoughtful ethical question into the story…but never overdoes it in this bouncy tale populated by a terrific cast of characters. The well-synthesized period flavor extends right down to the one-liners that punctuate Hope’s earnest, easygoing, and perfectly pitched narration.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Tubb uses rich historical material well in this clever story whose time line is a 17-day countdown to the comet catastrophe.” — School Library Journal
"Luna dazzles as the protagonist, supplying clever dog-related wordplay and adorable canine nuggets of wisdom throughout. The relationship between Luna and her young clients brims with delightful banter. Genuine sentiments about mental health, loyalty, and appreciating what makes us each different will leave readers with well-earned warmth. Sweet from start to finish." — Kirkus Reviews
