Really thoughtful and engaging middle grades book that both my son and I enjoyed listening to together. It tackles difficult themes of abandonment and loss in a way that’s honest and compassionate, models characters growing and apologizing and learning to see each others’ perspectives. I imagine for a kid who has experiences that kind of loss, this could be especially meaningful.

The narration in the audiobook was top notch, great character voices and accents.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love books like this so much where they tear my heart out, heal it, and put it back in again stronger than ever. Glory is a sweet girl living with her father when her mother decided to leave without saying why. Gus is a big dog whose older owner gets injured and Glory ends up being the one to call 9-1-1 and taking care of Gus for him. Gus and Glory navigate their new reality while missing their people, and Glory's honesty was so pure and real. The narrator for this was so perfect, with such an innocent voice.

I listened to this book with my nanny kids and they really enjoyed it. We planned to listen for about thirty minutes a day but most of the time the kids would ask for more time because they enjoyed the story so much. They love dogs and stories with dogs are always winners with them but this one was definitely one of their favorites.

The narrator for this audiobook is so good and does such a fabulous job giving voice to Glory. My son and I really enjoyed listening to this book and really feeling the emotion through the narrator’s intonation and accent.

Unfortunately it’s a little too long to keep my kid’s attention, but that’s not a ding on the book so much as it’s more age appropriate for an elementary school aged child than a pre-school aged one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was wonderful, I was crying, laughing and having my heart tugged at. The Narrator (Sophie Amoss) did a fabulous job. Narrating a 12 year old girl is a challenge, and she did multiple kids without them sounding whining. Amazing choice for this book!

Glory is a 12 year old who finds herself in the situation that her mom left, her dad is on the road for work, and she is placed with her grandparents. The adults first try to help by saying the mom is "just" on vacation, but with no one knowing where mom is, it is soon found out that no one knows where she is or if she would come back.

Children know more then we sometimes give them credit for, and not wanting to be underfoot Glory tries to fill her time by not being at home. Hanging out at the "park" she stumbles across Gus a huge bloodhound and their story takes off from there.

This book doesn't have all the answers and some are left open ended, but it is a happy one that focusing on what you have is even more realistic and I am glad that books are being written like this now.

3.75/5⭐️

This was a sweet and cute story with found family, friendship, deeper themes, positive messages, a bit of mystery, and a bond between a girl and her furry companion. Glory is a fun character who loves books (especially Agatha Christie), mysteries, solving puzzles, and being curious (definitely not noisy). There were some funny moments with Gus and his dog antics, tender moments with Glory and her grandpa, and I loved the friendship between Glory and Rosemary.

Quote from the book:
Rosemary to Glory: “Are you the kind of person who dog-ears pages?"
Glory: “Never. I use a bookmark like a responsible person.”

This book hits on the harder topics of what it's like for a parent to leave, and the results/impacts that has on a child. I thought it was realistic overall, and showcased what kids truly do experience while keeping it appropriate for younger readers.

If you're a fan of books like Wish by Barbara O'Connor or Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, I think you will enjoy this book!

I listened to the audiobook and thought Sophie Amoss did a good job/was a good fit for reading this story. If audiobooks are your preferred method of reading, I'd recommend checking it out!

Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for sending me an advanced audiobook copy to honestly rate and review. I was not obligated to give a positive review, all thoughts are 100% my own.