No Dogs Allowed! - Hardcover

Bill Wallace is a beloved author of children's books, a two-time winner of the Texas Bluebonnet Award, and the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book. His novels routinely appear on state and children's choice award lists. Some of his most popular novels are A Dog Called Kitty, Red Dog, Totally Disgusting! and Coyote Autumn. He lives in Chickasha, Oklahoma, with his wife and daughters. www.wallacebooks.com.

Grade 4-6–Fifth-grader Kristine Rankin is grieving for the recently deceased family horse. When she receives a puppy for her birthday, she is horrified by the idea of a new pet and instantly rejects the dog while trying to maintain a facade of liking her gift. She pretty much ignores Mattie, despite the pup's enthusiastic affection. Kristine has other issues to deal with as well. Her preoccupation with the dog has caused her to distance herself from her best friend, and now their relationship is in trouble, and she is worried about her grandfather's health. Also, a boy from school has been teasing her. He lives near her grandparents' house, and when he meets Mattie, he is instantly smitten with the dog. Kristine gradually gets to know him better, and her feelings for him begin to change. As events unfold, she finally learns that you have to open your heart to love, despite the risks. Kristine is likable and realistic as she struggles through her grief and resistance to emotional involvement with another pet. The book is written with humor and enough drama to keep readers interested, and they'll relate to the story and to Kristine's ultimate surrender to adorable Mattie. Also suggest Colby Rodowsky's Not My Dog (Farrar, 1999) for a twist on the theme.–Alison Grant, West Bloomfield Township Public Library, MI
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