About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is fixated on 'status' or perfection, whether that is a specific brand-name toy or a pedigree pet. It is a wonderful tool for teaching that value is found in character and connection rather than price tags or appearances. The story follows Will, a sixth-grader who has been saving every penny for a purebred dog but finds himself unexpectedly caring for a scruffy, smelly shelter mutt he names Buzzard Breath. Through Will's journey, the book explores themes of responsibility, empathy, and the surprise of finding joy where you least expect it. It is perfectly suited for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who are beginning to navigate social pressures and the realization that their initial expectations do not always align with what actually makes them happy. Parents will appreciate the realistic, humorous portrayal of a boy learning that a 'perfect' life is less about what you own and more about who you love.
