Mark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can't get his mom on board with his plan.

Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner already, but not one who understands what a dog really needs.

Mr. LaRue is a neighbor who needs a community. He's alone all the time in his huge old house--and everyone needs more than that.

Over the course of a summer thunderstorm and one chaotic town council meeting, these three characters cross paths and come together in a timeless tale ripe with emotions. They'll realize they all need the same things: love, understanding, and a sense of belonging--plus a place to play a game of fetch!

This book was recognised by the Iowa Children's Choice Award.

This book has been graded for interest at 8-12 years.

There are 208 pages in this book. This book was published 2013 by Simon & Schuster .

Marion Dane Bauer has written more than one hundred children's books, including the Newbery Honor Book On My Honor . She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. www. mariondanebauer. com