About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the shifting landscape of middle-grade friendships or struggling with feelings of being replaced. It is a perfect choice for a young reader who feels lonely, is begging for a pet, or needs to understand that building trust with others (both humans and animals) is a slow and rewarding process. Written in a warm and relatable diary format, the story follows fifth-grader Ava as she deals with her best friend Sophie's new interest in a girl named Emily. To cope with the heartbreak of being 'the third wheel,' Ava focuses on adopting and rehabilitating an injured stray cat named Taco Cat. The book gently explores themes of patience, emotional resilience, and the responsibility of pet ownership. It is ideally suited for ages 8 to 11, providing a realistic but hopeful look at the social challenges of elementary school.
