Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for a person on the autism spectrum, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only.

It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought—unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity. This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all—maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it. 

Hard cover, 240 pages
5.1 x 7.8 inch (12.9 x 19.8 cm)

By Kate Foster

from 8 years+ | item #4576

Benefits:

• Explores relationships & friendships
• Develops social skills
• Explores emotions
• Provides possible coping skills
• Provides insight into how someone’s mind on the autism spectrum may work
• Promotes empathy and understanding
• Shares the emotional benefits of having a pet