Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman, 236 pages Middle Grade Candlewick, 2024. $19.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: MANY
Evan is merely going through the motions in 8th grade. Nothing seems to make him happy and his home life is less than stellar. Evan keeps to himself, and his parents are largely there in name only. One day a border collie shows up and follows him when he runs. Evan bonds with the dog while navigating problems at school and home.
At first glance this is just another dog book, but it is told in alternating viewpoints, from the boy and the dog. The two voices make it seem more urgent and gives it some depth. There are themes of bullying and mental health, though the mental health issues are never really addressed. A sweet story of redemption and friendships, I found myself invested in it. Race is never specified.
Michelle in the Middle
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