Review by Booklist Review
A misbehaving dog can sometimes feel like a ticking time bomb. Nicola is able to overlook June Bug's misdeeds, but when Dad says, It's not working out with that dog, she knows she's got to prove him wrong. With the help of her sort-of-friend Lindsay, Nicola sets out to brighten other people's lives by using June Bug to entertain the residents of Shady Oaks, a local nursing home. June Bug excels at the task, but in the process, the dog brings to light some fishy practices and mysteries for Nicola and Lindsay to uncover. Though Adderson brings a light touch to some serious grown-up problems (e.g., mismanaged nursing homes) in this whimsical novel, she doesn't shy away from probing the real-world problems familiar to children. She displays a deep understanding of the complicated dynamics of childhood friendship, such as dealing with the neighborhood friend who might not be an in-school friend. Nicola's hopeful outlook and keen problem-solving skills will endear her to readers, particularly animal lovers. A sweet but never saccharine story.--Barnes, Jennifer Copyright 2014 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-June Bug has behavior issues. She really can't help it. After all, she is just a puppy. But when her owner, Nicola, hears that June Bug's days with the family may be numbered, she decides that doing a good deed will solve the problem and ensure the dog's place in heaven and in the family. Shady Oaks retirement home is just the opportunity that Nicola, her new friend Lindsay, and June Bug need. But all is not well at the retirement home, and some patients are being kept against their will. Could these special patients be more than they appear? Will June Bug's and Nicola's good deeds be enough to save June Bug and keep her with the family? Young readers will enjoy and appreciate the struggle to "be good." Nicola is a relatable character with qualities that will resonate with girls and boys alike. The portrayed family dynamic is healthy, yet not without normal struggles. One of the most touching themes is the need to protect and respect the elderly and ensure that every person is treated with dignity. A sweet-natured and thoughtful read.- Elizabeth Speer, Cisco College, TX (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Nicola's new dog, June Bug, is wreaking havoc, her former best friend is keeping her distance, and life in general seems off-kilter. Nicola finds purpose--and joy--visiting a nursing home with June Bug and a new maybe-friend. Stock characters weigh down the story, but dog lovers will cheer on Nicola's efforts to prove that her pooch is worth keeping. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Since June Bug, Nicola's new dog, gets into way too much trouble, lately the girl's been worried that her pet will be sent away. Are June Bug's issues related to whatever is causing recent gloom around town? The playground at school seems to be tilting out of balance, Nicola's grade-five teacher has become remarkably cranky, no one has put up Christmas lights, Nicola's older brother is totally focused on an angels-vs.-demons computer game, and the elderly patients at Shady Oaks are living in dismal conditions. Even June Bug's clever tricks (Nicola hopes that doing good deeds at the home can redeem her pet) can't do much to improve this last problem. Although Nicola isn't initially too happy about becoming friends with classmate Lindsay, it's the latter's discoverythat angels could be everywherethat inspires Nicola's idea that people must do the hard work of creating goodness, thus guiding the pair to some surprising revelations. Characters are gloriously quirky: Lindsay is obsessed with brides (with good reason); Shady Oaks resident Mr. Milton speaks in mysterious metaphors that turn out to be quotes from a more famous Milton; Nicola navigates concepts of hell and goodness, looking for reasonable answers to ponderous questions. Though paranormal explanations are only gently hinted at, the angelic twist at the conclusion is satisfyingly appropriate and more about human goodness than evangelizingentirely in keeping with the book. (Fiction. 9-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.