A heartfelt read filled with nuanced characters; recommended for those seeking a fast-paced adventure with a very human story. School Library Journal A humorous, poignant, realistic debut story. Kirkus Reviews Vilonia is determined to prove shes responsible enough to care for a dog in this sensitive and uplifting coming-of-age (Publishers Weekly) novel.Being responsible is NOT easy. Fourth grader Vilonia hasnt lost her rain coat in the three weeks shes had it and shes brushed her teeth every night and shes volunteered to be the Friday Library Helper. But all that hard work is worth it if it means she can get a dog. Besides, this dog isnt just because Vilonia has wanted one for pretty much ever. Its also to help Mama, whos been lost in one, big sadness fog for forty-three daysever since Nana died. But Vilonia read that pets can help with sadness. Now all she has to do is keep the library goldfish alive over spring break, stop bringing stray animals home, and help Mama not get fired from her job. And shes got to do all of it before the Catfish Festival. Easy as pie, right? Tremendous voice, humor, and heart make this debut novel utterly lovable.

 

 

This book is aimed at children at US 3rd grade-7th grade.

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

There are 208 pages in this book. This book was published in 2017 by Simon & Schuster .

Kristin L. Gray drinks coffee (cream, no sugar) and writes books (funny, not sad) from her home in northwest Arkansas. She loves to read, walk her dogs, and eat cake for breakfast. She will also travel any chance she gets. Kristin's fourth-grade self would never believe she has five children, two dogs, one fish, a bearded dragon, and a shy gecko. Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge is her first novel. To learn more about Kristin, or to send her a cake, visit her online at KristinLGray. com.