Maxi's Secrets: (or what you can learn from a dog) - Hardcover

Plourde, Lynn

4.35

1,717 ratings by Goodreads

9780399545672: Maxi's Secrets: (or what you can learn from a dog)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399545670 ISBN 13: 9780399545672

Publisher: Puffin, 2016

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When a BIG, lovable, does-it-her-way dog wiggles her way into the heart of a loudmouth pipsqueak of a boy, wonderful things happen that help him become a bigger, better person. With its diverse cast, authentic narrator, and perfect blend of spot-on middle-grade humor, drama, and wisdom, this powerful debut is relatable, funny, bittersweet, and full of heart.

Timminy knows that moving to a new town just in time to start middle school when you are perfect bully bait is less than ideal. But he gets a great consolation prize in Maxi--a gentle giant of a dog who the family quickly discovers is deaf. Timminy is determined to do all he can to help Maxi--after all, his parents didn't return him because he was a runt. But when the going gets rough for Timminy, who spends a little too much time getting shoved into lockers at school, Maxi ends up being the one to help him--along with their neighbor, Abby, who doesn't let her blindness define her and bristles at Timminy's "poor-me" attitude. It turns out there's more to everyone than what's on the surface, whether it comes to Abby, Maxi, or even Timminy himself.

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Review:

"The secrets are little gems, providing food for thought. . . . The characters are fully developed, and the delicate subjects of bullying and disabilities are dealt with deftly and with humor. The story would make a great read-aloud, as Plourde has created humorous and believable characters that readers will be cheering for. . . . Will have wide appeal to dog lovers and those looking for a feel-good tale of overcoming adversity."--School Library Journal

"Plourde's skillful blend of humor, pathos, and wisdom creates a story that begs to be shared with middle-grade students, who will fall in love with a deaf dog, her steadfast owner, and the rest of the characters who populate the novel. . . . A story of love and friendship that deserves to join the ranks of other unforgettable canines and their owners."--Booklist

"Timminy is a funny, personable narrator. . . . A hopeful, satisfying conclusion. Bullying and disabilities are handled honestly. . . . Perfect for reading aloud, any middle-level or younger student, especially dog lovers, will adore this humorous, heartwarming story of overcoming adversity."--Voice of Youth Advocates

"Timminy's coping strategies could help readers dealing with the loss of a pet. . . . This earnest boy-and-his-dog tale makes a strong case for Secret No. 11: 'There's nothing so bad in the world that dog kisses won't make it better.'"--Kirkus Reviews

"Plourde clearly shows Maxi's remarkable influence on the lives of Timminy, his family, and his friends. This story is a tender reminder that perceived shortcomings don't define us and that the power of friendship can't be underestimated."--Publishers Weekly

"Full of funny, touching moments, and learning how to make your way in a new and unfamiliar situation, this is a wonderful story about the love between a boy and his dog."--School Library Connection

About the Author:

Lynn Plourde (www.lynnplourde.com) is the author of 29 picture books, and Maxi's Secrets is her debut middle-grade novel. A former speech-language therapist, she worked in public schools for twenty-one years. She was born and raised in Maine, where she still lives, and she loves spending time outdoors snowshoeing, walking, kayaking, and gardening.

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