Secondhand Dogs

July 26, 2021
Former shelter dogs Gus, a scruffy terrier, and his pack—Tank the bulldog; anxious, three-legged hunting dog Roo; and smallest, youngest member, Moon Pie the pug—lead an idyllic life with Miss Lottie, a large bespectacled woman with gray frizzy hair, and her 11-year-old assistant Quinn, both of whom appear white. But one day, Miss Lottie introduces the pack to part-shepherd, part-husky Decker, the newest addition to the motley crew. Feeling a sense of unease from the moment that “bright and cold” Decker is introduced, leader Gus struggles to make quick, conclusive decisions, especially after Decker makes his distaste for the other dogs clear. As Gus’s role as leader is slowly usurped through Decker’s underhanded operations, Gus worries about disappointing his friends—and initially doesn’t notice when Moon Pie escapes to find his previous owner. Crimi (Weird Little Robots) spins a stirring tale about found family, switching between each character’s perspective to present nuanced takes on their individual struggles. B&w illustrations by Manwil (When Penny Met POTUS) provide welcome visual breaks for younger readers. Tender takeaways abound in this compassionate tale, notably that “love makes all the difference.” Ages 8–12. Agent: Steph Fretwell-Hill, Red Fox Literary.

July 1, 2021

Gr 4-6-The pack of strays living with widow Miss Lottie enjoy a fine balance with anxious, three-legged Roo, skittish and immature Moon Pie, muscular bulldog Tank, and Gus, the aging terrier and wise pack leader, all peacefully sharing space with Ghost, the cat who mostly hides under the bed. The story opens with the arrival of new dog Decker; calculating, aggressive, oblivious to the comfortable agreements between the dogs and bent on securing all the attention and treats for himself. After a showdown with Decker, the other dogs escape through a gap in the backyard fence and take to the streets with Quinn, the teen boy who helps Miss Lottie, frantically searching for them. In the end it's an angry confrontation mitigated by Gus's discovery of his "dog gift"-love-that unites the pack and returns Lottie's home to equilibrium, making way for the arrival of another new dog. A secondary plot explores Quinn's troubled relationship with his brother, Jessie, and persistent bullying by Jessie's friends. Third-person perspective shifts between dogs and humans from chapter to chapter. Flashbacks, with titles such as "Roo Before," periodically fill in characters' back stories. The text is illustrated with jaunty cartoon drawings, though final art was not seen. VERDICT This is a breezy read with few surprises, but the light tension and heartwarming message will propel middle graders through to the very end. Recommended for upper elementary readers.-Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson M.S., Falls Church, VA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2021
The arrival of a new dog threatens the stability, happiness, and safety of an established pack. Gus, the first dog adopted by Miss Lottie, watches out for her growing pack of homeless canines: Tank, an aging bulldog; Roo, a nervous, hyperactive hunting dog; and Moon Pie, an engaging young pug. He appreciates Quinn, the neighbor boy who helps Miss Lottie care for her animals, and even gets along with Ghost, the elusive cat. When Miss Lottie introduces Decker, a confident, sleek, arrogant new dog, Gus knows it's his job as pack leader to approve each new member, but he hesitates, as Decker unaccountably triggers negative feelings. With the other dogs waiting, Gus indecisively acquiesces, but his misgivings soon prove justified. A toxic bully, Decker rapidly undermines Gus, maligns Tank, intimidates Roo, and tricks Moon Pie into running away. Suddenly, Miss Lottie's happy family shatters, and Gus knows he must rally everyone to search for missing Moon Pie before it's too late. The story unfolds from the multiple, alternating perspectives of Gus, Tank, Roo, Moon Pie, Decker, Ghost, Miss Lottie, and Quinn as their personal backstories and motivations gradually emerge, adding depth and insight. Pervading themes of bullying, leadership, loyalty, and family--among humans and canines alike--raise important issues while the comic-style illustrations feature character cameos and highlight key scenes. Human characters default to White. A sensitive, satisfying, and intriguing canine tale. (Animal fiction. 8-10)

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