About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is begging for a pet or feels that their parents don't trust them with 'big' responsibilities yet. It is a perfect choice for navigating those middle-elementary years where kids are eager to prove their independence but still live in a world of rules and school-day mishaps. Through the eyes of the creative and relatable Grace, children learn that being responsible isn't just about doing chores, it's about consistency and problem-solving. In this installment of the popular series, Grace creates a 'cardboard dog' on a skateboard to demonstrate her pet-parenting skills. The story balances lighthearted school-life humor with the very real emotional weight of wanting to be seen as grown-up. Parents will appreciate how the book models creative thinking and resilience while addressing the nervous feelings that come with visiting the principal's office or making a mistake at school. It is an affirming read for any child who feels they have big ideas that the adults in their life haven't quite recognized yet.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
Grace experiences significant anxiety regarding a trip to the principal's office. While the resolution is humorous, parents of children with school-related anxiety may want to discuss how Grace handles her nerves.
Ideal Reader
A 7 to 9-year-old who loves animals, enjoys drawing or 'inventing' things, and might be feeling the pressure of school expectations. It's especially great for kids who feel they are constantly being told 'maybe when you're older.'
Parent Prep
While this can mostly be read cold, parents might want to be ready to discuss Grace’s feelings of anxiety regarding school discipline if their child is sensitive to those themes. It is a great 'bridge' book for kids moving into longer chapter books. A child expressing frustration that they aren't trusted with chores or pets, or a child coming home worried about a minor disciplinary issue at school.
Age Experience
Younger readers (6-7) will find the cardboard dog concept hilarious and relatable. Older readers (9-10) will connect more with the nuances of Grace's internal monologue and the social 'politics' of the classroom.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'pet' books, this focuses on the psychological state of the child trying to earn the pet, using Grace's unique artistic perspective and 'Power of Empathy' to make the internal struggle visible through illustrations and lists.
Read plot summary
Just Grace is determined to convince her parents she is ready for a real dog. To prove her responsibility, she adopts a 'pretend' dog made of cardboard and takes it for walks on a skateboard. Along the way, she navigates the social dynamics of her classroom, a nerve-wracking trip to the principal's office, and the everyday challenges of being an imaginative third-grader.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Grace uses a cardboard dog to show she is responsible. What is one way you have shown you can handle a big responsibility at home?
2
How did Grace feel when she had to go to the principal's office? Have you ever felt that way when you thought you were in trouble?
3
Grace's parents said 'maybe' to a dog. Why do you think grown-ups say 'maybe' instead of 'yes' or 'no' right away?
4
If you had to invent a creative way to prove you were ready for something new, what would your plan look like?
