The PS Brothers

Gr 5—7—Russell's life has been difficult ever since his mother died in a car accident and his father was arrested for theft. He's been living with his Uncle Cory, who allows him to stay by himself in an old pop-up camper in the backyard. Russell and his friend Shawn, who comes from a family of six boys and has to share a bedroom with four of them, wear old clothes that are often patched together with tape. Both boys are targets of teasing. When not in school, they spend their time at the library reading about dogs and dream about owning a tough one to defend them from bullies. When attempting to purchase one with money earned as the Pooper Scooper Brothers, the sixth graders encounter animal abuse and illegal dogfighting. Part of the appeal of this book is its edginess. Shawn's and Russell's hardscrabble existences and their heartfelt yearning for a dog to defend them are compelling. Though the story wraps up too neatly and some of the lessons learned seem forced, the characters are well developed and kids will enjoy the friendship between Russell and Shawn. The subject matter and simple, yet interesting, story line make this a good choice for reluctant readers.—Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL