Amulet see Abrams, Harry 2010 250p 16.95
978-0-8109-8298-7 ms VG-BNes
Nicky’s parents get divorced and he finds himself in a new city, new school, and with a new dog. Reggie, the former seeing eye dog, becomes Nicky’s best friend when he needs one the most. Nicky’s parents get divorced and his life has monumental changes that he finds challenging. His mom moves to a new city and of course, takes him along. Nicky has to adjust to a new school and friends, too. Then, his mom unexpectedly brings home a German Shepherd from the animal shelter, who was formerly a seeing eye dog. Reggie, the dog, tends to lead Nicky around as if he were still a service dog and the boy is annoyed at first. However, the two eventually bond. Nicky is curious as to why this eighty-some pound dog was left in a shelter and wonders why someone could do that to a seeing eye dog. He sets out to find out and this becomes an interesting part of the plot. The two develop a friendship though, when Nicky seems to need it the most. Another issue thickens the plot when Nicky gets the idea to reconnect with his far off Dad and Reggie’s life is endangered because of this. The problems of divorce and its effects on families resonates throughout this title. It reminded me of Beverly Cleary’s 1984 Newberry Award winner “Dear Mr. Henshaw” in that respect. This story will speak to middle school readers, especially boys, and particularly those who like books about dogs.
Weinraub, Tina
