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Screenwise Verdict
This is what good middle-grade fiction looks like. Bob's voice is funny and genuine, the story has real stakes without being traumatic, and Applegate sneaks in literary sophistication that'll serve kids well in English class.
It's a sequel, but it works as a standalone if your kid hasn't read The One and Only Ivan (though they should—it won the Newbery for a reason). The hurricane adventure keeps pages turning, but the real heart is Bob figuring out what family means when you're a scrappy street dog who's lost everyone.
Parent reviews love the inclusive family message, and the 4.8 Amazon rating suggests kids are actually finishing it, which is half the battle with middle-grade readers. Not groundbreaking, but solid, emotionally intelligent, and genuinely well-written—a rare combo in talking-animal books.
Best for grades 5-8 (ages 10-13), though strong 3rd-4th graders could handle it. The reading level isn't the barrier—it's more about emotional maturity to engage with themes of loss, courage, and found family. Teens might read it if they loved Ivan, but this is squarely middle-grade territory.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92
Bob's journey to find his sister showcases loyalty, courage, and the meaning of family and friendship. The story models perseverance through adversity, and parent reviews note the book's inclusive message about families of 'all shapes and sizes and colors and genders.' The emotional tone is age-appropriate, balancing humor with poignancy without being preachy.
Imaginative
88
Katherine Applegate uses first-person narrative from a dog's perspective, employing literary devices like personification and imagery to create a unique voice. The story invites kids to imagine their pets' inner lives—reviews note it 'will spark the imagination and get kids thinking about their own pets.' The hurricane adventure and animal friendships offer creative world-building within the established Ivan universe.
Safe
85
As a middle-grade novel, this is very safe for the target audience. The hurricane creates tension and there's emotional weight around Bob searching for his lost sister, but nothing graphic or traumatic. The story deals with themes of abandonment and survival in an age-appropriate way. No content warnings flagged in parent reviews, though younger sensitive readers might need reassurance during tense moments.
Enriching
90
Strong literary merit with Newbery-winning author Katherine Applegate using sophisticated narrative techniques (first-person animal POV, personification, character development). The story builds empathy for animals and explores meaningful themes of resilience, hope, and found family. Amazon rating of 4.8 and #1 bestseller status indicate high reader engagement. Excellent for classroom discussion of perspective and literary devices.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
Written by Katherine Applegate (Newbery Medal winner), so the writing is actually good—first-person dog narrator with real voice and humor
Tackles big themes like family, belonging, and courage without being heavy-handed or preachy
Great bridge between chapter books and YA—sophisticated enough for strong readers, accessible enough for reluctant ones
Makes kids think about animals' inner lives and builds empathy without being a PETA pamphlet
Strong literary devices (personification, imagery, perspective) make it excellent for classroom discussion or homeschool literature study
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What to Watch For
Hurricane scenes create real tension—not scary exactly, but younger or sensitive kids might worry about the characters
Bob's backstory involves being separated from his family as a puppy, which could hit hard for kids with their own separation anxiety
This is book 2 in a series, so kids will get more out of it if they've read The One and Only Ivan first (but not required)
Conversation Starters
"Bob discovers courage he didn't know he had—when have you surprised yourself by being braver than you thought?"
"The book talks about families of all different types. What makes a family a family, in your opinion?"
"If your pet could talk, what do you think they'd say about you? About their life?"
"Bob has to choose between staying safe and going on a dangerous journey to find his sister. Would you make the same choice?"
