About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling like a misfit or is struggling with a sense of belonging in a new environment. This heartwarming middle grade novel follows an unlikely trio: Chance, a real dog who was abandoned; Metal Head, a robot dog longing for a home; and Mouse, a clever rodent protector. Together, they navigate the complexities of life in a shelter while searching for a place where they are truly wanted. Through the lens of both biological and mechanical animals, the story explores deep emotional themes of loyalty, resilience, and what it means to be real. It is a gentle but profound exploration of the foster and adoption experience, handled with the trademark empathy of Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko. It is perfectly suited for children ages 8 to 12 who are developing their sense of empathy for others who might seem different on the surface.
