Gloria “Glory” St. Romain wants to be a detective someday, just like those she reads about in her beloved books. But one day Glory finds herself in the middle of a mystery she never expected or wanted . . . the mystery of why her mother left and will she ever return. Landing at her grandparents’ house for the summer, Gloria is determined to solve that mystery. Along the way, she rescues a dog who rescues her right back, and she discovers that family is much more than those you happen to be related to.

Touchingly bittersweet, GUS AND GLORY addresses a difficult topic with hope and humor, offering a wonderful lesson in empathy, understanding, and perseverance.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Glory St. Romain is spending the summer with her grandparents. Her mother up and disappeared and her long-haul trucker dad couldn’t take her for long periods of time. Glory is confused and no one will tell her the truth. One day at the park, Glory encounters a bloodhound dragging a leash. When she picks up the lease, the dog (Gus) brings her to his home where his owner had fallen through the stairs. Glory agrees to care for Gus while his owner recuperates. Her grandparents are reluctant to have a large slobbering, shedding dog in their house but agree to the arrangement. Glory decides to train Gus to track and meets some new friends, hopefully friends she won’t need to leave.
This is a very sweet and moving story. Short chapters make for a fast read with the desired conclusion. I would definitely recommend for grades 3 and up.
#GusAndGlory #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book.

This was a heartwarming and bittersweet story about a girl who is trying to find a sense of belonging and what family means. The themes can get pretty heavy, so it is probably better suited for upper/middle grader instead of elementary school. Glory finds comfort through Gus, her grandparents, and new friends. While the book started with her feeling lost and alone, at the end of the book she has a new sense of belonging and love.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!

A heartfelt found family story. 12 year old Ruby Glory is sent to live with her grandparents one summer after her mom leaves her and her dad is a truckdriver who is rarely home. Glory sets out to solve the mystery of why her mom left. Not trusting the adults in her life, at first, she has difficulty believing that they will not all leave her. Glory is surprised that the summer turns around for her in unexpected ways once a bloodhound named Gus enters her life along with her first real friend, Rosemary, who comes with a large family, something that Glory longs for. With a cast of characters including Papaw Jack, Nana Pat, Aunt Kat, and Mr. Babin, Glory realizes that there are more people in her life that support her that she could have ever imagined, becoming her found family.

A great read for upper elementary and middle school readers.

"Dogs come into our lives, leave pawprints on our hearts, and we are changed forever" is a quote that aptly encapsulates this read.

Gus appears in Glory's path by chance and her summer is forever changed. She's essentially abandoned by both parents (one of which is a mystery). The author excels in threading this plot from start to finish while enhancing it with mini adventures along the way. Gus' characteristics from his breed's known attributes of scenting, floppy ears and personality (see : library scene, antics with Marvin) will capture the imagination of the reader. Appreciate that his role played a significant part in Glory's life as well as all those surrounding her (from her neighbors, newly made friends and her grandparents). There is a more than satisfying ending as while all loose ends were tied up it wasn't with a perfunctory bow but rather done realistically. (see: mystery about mother)

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Roaring Brook Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#GusandGlory #NetGalley

This middle grade touched on some tough topics such as parent abandonment.

Glory was so well written. You can feel all the emotions she goes through during the book. I liked how Gus brought out the best in everyone and help Glory’s grandpa start to heal.

I enjoy Sarah Guillory's writing style and look forward to more books from her.

Gus and Glory were just the characters I needed after my son got married to his high school sweetheart.
Dog lovers, be sure to grab a few tissues...for happy tears of course!
Sarah Guillory crafted a wonderful story of friendship, family, and love with this middle grade novel.

Parental abandonment as a theme is going wild in middle grade books right now. I've read several this year already. Some are better than others but all have some similarities. Gus and Glory is a little bit different. Her story is a little (or a lot) happier than the others. Her journey is much more positive. But, to be fair, she does have a dog.
I think the writing itself is a little rough, but my kids, husband, and I all fell in love with the characters in this book. There is not a single main character that I don't think of with affection. I am not a crier, but the end of this book very nearly brought me to tears. I will buy it for the public library I work at, my daughter has already requested it for Christmas, and I will most likely purchase a copy for myself. Where Gus goes, I go.

This book is dog story perfection! Glory feels all alone when her mom walks out on her and her truck-driving father has to leave her with grandparents she hasn't seen in a year. Enter Gus, a lovable bloodhound who needs a temporary caregiver when his owner breaks his leg. Glory and Gus share a wonderful summer with a cast of well-developed supporting characters. Determined to find out more about her mother, Glory learns more about herself and where she really belongs. Shifting from heartbreaking to heartwarming, this story will be an instant classic for upper-elementary readers.

Abandoned by her mother, Glory spends the summer with grandparents she barely knows and finds Gus, a bloodhound running loose. Caring for Gus leads Glory to new friendships and self-acceptance.

4.5 stars Glory finds herself living with grandparents she has been enstranged from for at least a year. Abandoned by her mother, with a mostly absent truck driver father, Glory questions which adults she can trust and if she will ever be able to call someplace home. Add to that a bloodhound, Gus, that has a similar life story as Glory and the stage is set for a heartwarming story. What librarian wouldn't love Glory's reaction to getting a library card! The setting, characters, adventures, and hard conversations make this a great read and love found in this book touched my heart.

This is a wonderfully, heartwarming story about a young girl who is left in the care of her grandparents after her mother leaves and her father is away for work. She tends to keep everyone at arms length, except for the bloodhound that needs her. Her grandparents are great and I love the communication that happens at the end of the story and the growth that a few of the characters go through and the lessons about loneliness,family and love that they learn.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this one inn exchange for my honest thoughts!

Glory's mom is gone and nobody will tell her where she went. While exploring her grandparents' small town, she comes across a dog named Gus. Gus's owner needs some help taking care of him and Glory is up for the job! Gus is just what Glory needs at this confusing time in her life.

This was a delightful read. I wasn't sure about it in the beginning, but quickly came to enjoy it. It deals with some pretty heavy stuff, but didn't read like a super heavy book for me. I felt like it was just right for the middle grade audience.

Glory is spending the summer with her grandparent-Nana Pat & Papaw Jack. Her parents are divorced. Her dad is away driving truck & her mom is “on vacation.” Her mom was struggling to keep a job and pay the rent and bills. They didn’t have much contact with her grandparents. When Glory was at the park, she finds a bloodhound who seems to be in need of help. Glory follows the dog and finds the neighbor, Mr Babin on the ground. She calls 911 and suddenly she’s taking care of Gus. Glory decides to train Gus to track. She finds help and a friend along the way. She discovers things about herself, her fears, and lots about her family. Mr. Babin is coming home, so she will have to give Gus back. Will her dad step up or will her grandparents invite her to stay? Read to find out what happens with Gus and Glory!

What a wonderful book. I was laughing one minute and crying the next. The story is so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. This was one I couldn't put down. This is one for readers of all ages. It is a definite must read!!

I loved this book. Glory is feeling hurt by her mom leaving and having to come spend the summer with her grandparents. But then Gus bounds into her life. As she spends time with Gus, her grandparents open to her also. She finds a friend in Rosemary. And finally feels like she has found her family and where she belongs.

A really great book that deals with lots of emotions and finding where you belong.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Every year I like to read one or two books to my 5-6 students that I have never read before. I like to have that shared experience with them. If you’re the same, this is your book!
Gus and Glory is the sweetest story of finally finding home.
Thank you, NetGallery, for this ARC!
I loved it!

Sarah Guillory’s latest book, Gus and Glory, is an absolute gem! It has everything needed to capture the hearts of readers of any age. At the center of the story is Glory, a girl who adores mysteries and puzzles. This summer, the greatest mystery of her life unfolds when her mom suddenly disappears without a trace, leaving Glory to grapple with many confusing questions and a void that puzzles can't easily fill.
Guillory’s writing will have you laughing, crying, and smiling throughout the book. This tale has adventure, love, loss, and characters that are genuine and full of warmth. The story pulls readers right into Glory’s world, where each page reveals something more about her strength, resilience, and the power of unbreakable bonds. The character of Glory is as lovable as she is courageous, making readers root for her as she navigates the emotional terrain of loss and discovery.
One of the story’s strongest elements is the relationship between Glory and bloodhound Gus, a steadfast and loyal companion who plays a significant role in her journey to discovering her place in the world. Gus has a heart for love and a nose for trouble! Their bond beautifully illustrates the theme of love and loyalty, and teaches us all a bit about blessings versus burdens.
For anyone who appreciates well-crafted stories filled with heartfelt moments, humor, and characters that linger long after the final page, this novel is an absolute must-read. Sarah Guillory has crafted a truly remarkable tale that reminds us of the beauty in both the mysteries we solve and those we simply learn to live with. It’s a story that will leave readers young and old with a warm, hopeful feeling—a testament to the power of friendship, family, and the love that remains constant through life’s most challenging puzzles.