What's That in Dog Years?

LoveReading4Kids Says

Gizmo, a scruffy little mongrel, may well be my favourite canine character yet and we get to hear his side of the story in this dual narrative. Gizmo has been there since the day George was born. George decides to deal with the awful news from the vet, that at fourteen (seventy-eight in dog years) he may not have much longer to live, by creating a “bucket list’ of favourite things to enjoy together. Ben Davis is an expert at capturing the awkwardness of adolescence and gradually we get to understand the full back story as George accomplishes his mission. George struggles with anxiety and his home situation, his parents are separated, and life in Year 8 at school do nothing to help with that. The beautifully nuanced relationship with Gizmo is his only comfort it seems. As we come to understand what led to his friendship problems and the family break up and through a new friendship with Lib, forged around Gizmo and the bucket list, George’s resilience and confidence grows. Learning to empathise with Lib’s struggles with poverty and as a young carer also puts his own problems into perspective. Despite their hilarious misadventures there is a thoughtful message throughout of how to cope with change and ultimately with loss. Despite the sadness this is ultimately a hopeful and helpful read. Many young readers will empathise with the difficulties George and Lib experience and this book will reassure them while at the same time making them laugh. A perfect crossover text for upper primary and secondary libraries.

Joy Court

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