About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a big life transition, such as moving to a new town, or when they are asking difficult questions about an absent or emotionally distant parent. This classic Newbery Honor story follows ten-year-old Opal, who finds a scruffy dog in a supermarket and discovers that he is a magnet for the lonely, eccentric, and hurting people in her new community. It is a gentle exploration of the idea that life can be both sweet and sad at the same time. Parents will appreciate the book's profound empathy and its ability to normalize complex feelings like melancholy and forgiveness. It is an ideal bridge for children ages 8 to 12 who are moving from simple stories to more nuanced, emotionally resonant literature.
