Once again, Pete Hautman has proven that we readers are mere putty in his hands and that, in fewer than two hundred pages, he can shape us into joy, grief, bemusement, fear, and delight. A Rumpelstiltskin of an author, who takes the straw of everyday life and spins it into storytelling gold.
--Barry Lyga, New York Times best-selling author

Hautman's dialogue is razor-sharp and realistic, simultaneously portraying sadness and optimism, while the short, well-paced chapters keep the pages turning and make this difficult to put down. This quirky slice of rural life--told from time to time, most enjoyably, from the dog's perspective--is quietly full of deep emotion and perfect for any animal-loving middle-grader, especially one who enjoys track and field and a lovable pup to join them on their run.
--Booklist (starred review)

True-to-life moments of humor and pathos further ground a story that's sure to win attention from misfits and dog people of all stripes.
--Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Evan and Hana's compassion, as well as Samarkand's endless tail-wagging, inspire hope for dog lovers and all readers.
--The Horn Book

A boy-meets-dog story that evokes warmth and nostalgia.
--Kirkus Reviews