Trouper

K-Gr 2—Trouper, a tough three-legged dog, scavenges for food in the streets with a pack of other homeless mutts while "dodging the stones, thrown by boys, who thought the world was mean, and so they had to be." One day, a dogcatcher captures them and takes them to the pound. Though people come and take all the other dogs, no one seems to want Trouper until a kind boy finally adopts him. Narrated in free verse from Trouper's perspective, this tale's voice rings authentically canine (if dogs could write stories, that is). Lewis's characteristic watercolor illustrations laid out in full pages and spreads masterfully accompany Kearney's apt tone, deftly depicting Trouper's varied emotions, from his despondency at being left alone in the shelter to his exuberant joy when running with his new owner. A touching story of hope, friendship, and transcending appearances.—Yelena Alekseyeva-Popova, formerly at Chappaqua Library, NY