Do you need to read the first three PAWS books to understand this one?

Not strictly. While the characters and their business (PAWS) are established in earlier books, this story's central conflicts—the new student and the mom dating—are self-contained enough for a newcomer to jump in.

How 'mature' is the dating subplot?

Very mild. It focuses entirely on Mindy's feelings of displacement and her reaction to her mom being distracted, rather than the romance itself. It's handled through the lens of a child's perspective on their changing home life.

Is this book a good fit for struggling readers?

Yes! Graphic novels are excellent 'gateway' books. The vocabulary is accessible, and the visual cues help with reading comprehension and emotional context, making it a win for 2nd-4th graders who find dense text intimidating.

PAWS: Mindy Makes Some Space – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

PAWS: Mindy Makes Some Space

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2025

88%

WISE Score

A dog-walking business meets 'mom has a new boyfriend' drama in a graphic novel that's basically The Baby-Sitters Club for the 2020s.

PAWS: Mindy Makes Some Space

book

2025

88%

WISE Score

A dog-walking business meets 'mom has a new boyfriend' drama in a graphic novel that's basically The Baby-Sitters Club for the 2020s.

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is into graphic novels and dogs, this is a total winner. It’s part of a series, but Mindy Makes Some Space stands out because it tackles the 'new person in the house' and 'new person in the group' anxieties with actual depth.

It’s vibrant, funny, and doesn't talk down to its readers. While it’s definitely riding the wave of the Baby-Sitters Club revival, the pet-walking angle and the modern art style make it feel fresh rather than derivative. It's the kind of book that turns 'reluctant readers' into 'just five more minutes' readers.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 8-12 bracket. It hits that sweet spot of middle-grade drama where friendship is the most important thing in the world, but the business element keeps it from feeling too 'mushy.'

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It models healthy peer conflict resolution and explores the complex emotions of a child navigating their parent's new romantic relationship without being overly saccharine.

Imaginative

While a grounded 'slice of life' story, it encourages entrepreneurial thinking and creative problem-solving within the context of a small business run by kids.

Safe

Extremely low risk. The conflicts are interpersonal and age-appropriate for middle-grade readers. No graphic content or intense peril.

Enriching

High marks for emotional intelligence. It tackles 'gatekeeping' in friendships and the anxiety of family changes, providing a roadmap for kids feeling 'displaced.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Entrepreneurial spirit is front and center as the girls manage their dog-walking business, PAWS.
Realistic family dynamics regarding a parent dating again are handled with genuine empathy rather than tropes.
Visual storytelling is top-tier; if your kid already inhaled everything by Raina Telgemeier, this is the logical next step.
Friendship growth focuses on the 'new kid' dynamic and the common fear of a friend group being 'full.'

⚠

What to Watch For

Mindy's stubbornness and jealousy can be a bit grating initially, but it serves a clear arc about learning to share space and people.
The emotional weight of Mindy feeling like the 'odd one out' at home might hit close to home for kids in similar blended-family transitions.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever felt 'protective' of your friend group when someone new tried to join?"
"Why do you think Mindy felt so threatened by her mom dating someone new?"
"If you were starting a business like PAWS, what would be the hardest part—the work or the teamwork?"
"How did Mindy's behavior actually end up hurting her more than helping her?"

Deep Dive

The 'New Person' Anxiety

Graphic novels for middle schoolers often lean into slapstick or high fantasy, but the PAWS series has carved out a space for what I call 'relatable friction.' In this installment, Mindy is dealing with the two-pronged attack of change: a new student, Hazel, wanting to join their dog-walking squad, and her mom starting to date.

For a 9-year-old, this is a lot of territory to lose. The book does a great job of showing that Mindy isn't being 'bad'—she's just feeling insecure. It’s a great mirror for kids who struggle with the idea that love and friendship aren't zero-sum games.

Why It Works

If your kid is a fan of Raina Telgemeier or Real Friends by Shannon Hale, they will recognize the emotional language here. The art is bright and professional—no amateurish panels here—and the pacing is snappy. It also subtly reinforces the idea of kid-led responsibility. The PAWS business isn't just a backdrop; the girls actually have to manage schedules, client expectations, and the physical reality of walking dogs. It’s a low-key masterclass in soft skills wrapped in a story about cute Labradors.

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