Movie for Dogs

Gr 3—6—In Lois Duncan's sequel (2010) to Hotel for Dogs (2008) and News for Dogs (2009, all Scholastic), 12-year-old Andi Wallace thinks that she came in second place one too many times. First her manuscript, "Bobbi Strikes Back," finishes in second place in the Young Author Dog Lovers Contest. Jerry Gordon, a local bully wins the first prize. Then her entry for Star Bursts Studios' Dogs in Action video contest is fouled up by the same bully who refuses to sign a release because he is in the background of a scene. Her brother Bruce is helpful in cheering her spirits, and they finish filming and editing the movie for the competition. Their aunt, a private investigator, chaperones them to Hollywood for the contest interviews, and along the way helps them solve an assortment of mysteries. Katherine Kellgren's narration is well-paced and she gives each character a unique voice. This is a delightful, energetic story of perseverance will amuse upper elementary and middle school students.—Beth McGuire, Hempfield Area School District, Greensburg, PA