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Reading a Joan Bauer book is like ordering your favorite dish at one of your favorite restaurants–you pleasurably anticipate what’s coming and you’re always satisfied when it gets there. I’ve loved her books since I first read Hope Was Here when I was 20-ish; her most recent novel, Raising Lumie, was another delight. Still grieving the death of their father, Olive and her (half) sister Maudie are forced to move in order to pay off debt and save some money; Olive isn’t sure how she’s going to manage the upheaval until she discovers that Maudie’s new boss volunteers for the Northeast Guide Dog Center. There are PUPPIES! AT THE OFFICE! (Those caps are on Olive’s behalf, you understand–she’s the dog lover, not me.) The idea of raising a future guide dog is irresistible–but is it possible?
Bauer fans can likely made a few good guesses about where the story goes from there. There is laughter, there are tears, and a fabulously satisfying ending is enjoyed by all. Animal lovers will be especially excited about this one, but it should appeal to middle graders (and their parents;)) in general. Enjoy!
In other news, my youngest turned 8 (!) yesterday and my son played hard in his basketball game this morning; I’m looking forward to our Saturday night pizza and a movie. Anybody have more exciting plans for the the weekend?