• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2020 May #2
  If the Hallmark channel produced children's movies, they'd option Bauer's latest in a flash. She goes straight for the heart with the death of a parent, reunited sisters, endearing small-town characters, and puppies. Don't resist. Just give in and let the wholesome story wash over you and work its magic. Having recently lost her father to cancer, 12-year-old Olive is still grieving while also coping with the significant changes such a loss entails, such as moving to a new town. The silver lining to this sad situation is getting to have her older half sister, Maudie, in her life as her new guardian; the two adore each other. Things brighten considerably in Olive's world when she gets the chance to raise a puppy that will be trained as a seeing-eye dog. Lumie is a challenge and an endless source of love, and caring for her helps Olive move through her grief and connect with people in her new neighborhood. Bauer delivers a gratifying tale with realistic life lessons and literal puppy love. Grades 4-7. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Joan Bauer is the author of numerous books for young readers. She received a Newbery Honor Medal for Hope Was Here, and the L.A. Times Book Prize for Rules of the Road. The Christopher Award was given to both Hope was Here and Close to Famous, which also received the Schneider Family Book Award. Joan is the recipient of numerous state awards voted by readers.Bauer lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at www.joanbauer.com.