Buddy

Gr 5–8—Twelve-year-old Li'l T, who lives with his extended family in the Ninth Ward in New Orleans, has wanted a dog for as long as he can remember, so when his father accidentally hits a stray with his car, Li'l T adopts the injured animal and names him Buddy. The two become inseparable until hurricane warnings force the family to evacuate to Mississippi. Believing they will be gone for only two days, and as there is literally no room in the car for Buddy, they leave him with food and water on the second floor of their home. Hurricane Katrina wreaks its destruction, and when the family is finally allowed to return, the house is still standing, but Buddy is missing. The only clue to his fate is a water-stained, incomplete toll-free telephone number from his rescuers. Li'l T is devastated and fears he will never find Buddy. This is more than just a dog story as the novel has strong, well-developed adult characters in a wise and caring grandfather and a tough but loving father. Both men teach Li'l T about right and wrong, about being part of a family, and about responsibility. There is also a strong community bond with neighbors and church members who help one another through the hard times. The only dissident note is that Li'l T does well in school but uses bad grammar when he speaks. Readers will figure out the ending long before the conclusion, but that doesn't detract from this well-written story.Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC