  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 11/01/2014 Gr 4–6—Leo Biggs longs to be noticed. At home he feels overshadowed by his two sisters, at school by his clever friend George. So he retreats into his imagination, where crowds cheer his victories as a gladiator. Then Leo meets Jack Pepper, an adorable dog who brings joy to everyone he meets. When Leo gets out of an unsavory situation by claiming he was rescuing Jack Pepper, he suddenly finds himself the center of attention, the hero of his imagination made real. But Leo discovers being a made-up hero is hard on the conscience. Can Jack Pepper help Leo one more time? Does Leo have what it takes to be a genuine hero? Leo and Jack Pepper are likable characters in this gentle story. Leo's increasing anguish at living with his lies is well portrayed, but the ending somewhat undermines this lesson. The leisurely pace and heavy use of symbolism may challenge younger readers.—Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor School District, Lancaster, PA - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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