  | Puppy love Author: Soto, Gary | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Thirteen-year-old Jordan Mendoza has a huge crush on his classmate, Sierra, but he's never going to win her affections if he stays a C-student and keeps embarrassing himself on the basketball court. But when Jordan dives in to the waters of a dangerous irrigation canal to save a drowning puppy, he's suddenly got even more on his mind than Sierra and making the starting team. Can he nurse the abandoned puppy back to health? Why are the cops suddenly at Jordan's door, looking for him?
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (05/01/23)
Booklist (06/15/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 06/01/2023 Jordan Mendoza is focused on two things: his recent failure on the basketball court and his adoration of Sierra, a girl he’s barely spoken to. But as he stews about these things by a neighborhood canal, a flailing puppy floats by, and Jordan doesn’t hesitate to jump in after it and bring it home. His parents welcome the damp pup, but strangely realistic dreams see Jordan biking back out to the dangerous canal again and again in search of more abandoned puppies he’s sure he’ll find—and he does. The dog drama interplays with a chance to be a basketball hero and win over his beloved Sierra, though not without plenty of challenges along the way. The frank, funny story is told in a wonderfully conversational tone, and it effortlessly captures the thrilling obsession of a first crush. The tight familial bonds are a particular delight, both tender and teasing, and it’s gratifying to see Jordan’s parents take him seriously on every subject. A delightful examination of friendship, family, and love in all its forms. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
Booklist - 06/15/2023 Jordan Mendoza is focused on two things: his recent failure on the basketball court and his adoration of Sierra, a girl he’s barely spoken to. But as he stews about these things by a neighborhood canal, a flailing puppy floats by, and Jordan doesn’t hesitate to jump in after it and bring it home. His parents welcome the damp pup, but strangely realistic dreams see Jordan biking back out to the dangerous canal again and again in search of more abandoned puppies he’s sure he’ll find—and he does. The dog drama interplays with a chance to be a basketball hero and win over his beloved Sierra, though not without plenty of challenges along the way. The frank, funny story is told in a wonderfully conversational tone, and it effortlessly captures the thrilling obsession of a first crush. The tight familial bonds are a particular delight, both tender and teasing, and it’s gratifying to see Jordan’s parents take him seriously on every subject. A delightful examination of friendship, family, and love in all its forms. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
