I believe this charming little book is a middle-grade novel.  The fiction story relates the life of a puppy who knows from the very start what her purpose is – protect her girl, CJ.  The story is told from the dog’s point of view. 

CJ has a troubled home life and when she falls in love with the puppy she names Molly, she has to find ways to hide the fact there is a dog in her house from her narcissistic mother. But even after she finally tells her mother about the puppy, she has many obstacles to both keeping the puppy and being safe.  Her choices would make thoughtful dinner conversations, I think.

I loved Molly’s voice in the story and so enjoyed hearing and seeing life through her eyes.  This would be an excellent book for the classroom and includes guiding questions in the back. ~~  Catherine Book