Life can be hard. It is extra hard when your dog is gone. You are not sure where, but he is gone. Was he stolen? You best friend doesn't seem to care and is acting strange. Perhaps the friendship is over. Oh, and your father is on one of his disappearances again too. Yup, life can be hard in the middle grades. This is the middle grade novel we are sharing today. It is called Glory Be by Jamie Sumner. It is written in verse. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
About the Book:
A girl searches for her lost dog and truths about her family in this heartwarming, poignant illustrated novel in verse from Jamie Sumner, the acclaimed author of Roll with It.Disappeared. Vanished. Vamoosed.
Glory has the best dog in the world. Roux wags his tail so hard his whole round little body shakes. He touches his nose to hers like E.T. phoning home. Roux is always there for her—but now he’s gone. And Glory is worried her daddy had something to do with it.
Daddy’s been getting into trouble since the day Glory was born. Now it’s worse than worse. As she searches all over New Orleans for her lost pup, Glory discovers some things about her city and herself. Enough to make her wonder: How do you know when to hang on to the ones you love…and when to let go?
From Me:
Glory is struggling. Her dog is missing. She is searching New Orleans for him but cannot find him. She can't focus at school because she is just worried about Roux. Then there is the new job her mom just started and the fact that daddy has gone missing yet again. Who knows if he is off gambling away the money again or perhaps getting drunk of both. Her best friend is too busy to help look for Roux and doesn't even cover for her when she skips school. Glory is searching for Roux everywhere including by the homeless areas under the bridge. Throughout the search she learns quite a bit about her family and people in general.
The book is written in verse, so it is an easy read. There are also illustrations throughout the book. Glory has had a tough life. Her father was off gambling all their money on the day she was born. He eventually showed up but it was broke. Her mother truly loves them both but has to make a decision to keep Glory safe. Glory also goes to the river to visit with the homeless men she and her mother have gone to feed before. Glory hoped they could help find Roux but instead discovers a lot about herself and others. In fact in the end, she does something to help several of the men she gets advice from.
This book shares a bit of what life is like for some in different classes and locations. Glory's family has always struggled with money, yet they also always give back to those who are worse off than them. Glory is tough because she has to be. This book is a wonderful view into the life of an average middle grade American girl. It deals with many issues from friendship problems, a lost pet and the family issues. It even delves into homelessness and other societal issues. It is well written and the pictures add even more to the story. There are so many discussion points throughout the book, so it is also perfect for a class reading or book club. I think kids will find it interesting. There are parts that are discovered later in the book so there is a mystery in it as well.
