It has been a while since I shared a young adult novel. Today we are sharing one that deals with grief, science, pets, family, ethics, morals, and so much more! It is also perfect for the start of school as high school football is a huge part of this book. The book is Golden Boy by A. J. Symon. It is recommended for ages 12 and higher.
About the Book:
For the first printing only! This hardcover features sprayed stenciled edges while the special edition supply lasts.When the beloved family golden retriever becomes human, a girl’s relationships with her family and herself transform in ways she never thought possible in this “fun, fast-moving” (School Library Journal, starred review) young adult novel.
Science-obsessed, teen-genius Emma Branch is used to being the odd one out—in her family, among her classmates, and in her small town that only ever seems to care about football. She doesn’t mind being all alone; in fact, she prefers it. Besides, who needs friends when she has a best friend already—her golden retriever, Hudson.
But when Hudson gets into an accident, Emma can’t bear to lose her only friend. Luckily, she’s been working on an experimental substance for her school science project that could help him out. All it was supposed to do was heal Hudson, not…turn him human?!
Emma, her family, and the whole town is about to learn just how a golden retriever can change hearts and minds for the better—that is, after causing a big, old mess first.
From Me:
This book is so interesting. It pushes ethics and morals as well as show how dysfunctional people can be when grieving. Emma lost her mother and after her mother's death her father won't let them talk about her. He got rid of all of her things or at least most of them. He told Emma she was in charge of cooking for her family as well as the housekeeping. Her father is the football coach at a local private prep school, and her two brothers are on the team. She is missing her mother as she was the one person in the family who truly understood her. Her mother gave her a golden retriever, Hudson, before she died. Emma's father is very allergic and can't stand the dog. The family is dysfunctional since the mother's death. When Hudson gets hurt and it doesn't seem like he will live, Emma uses her science project substance that extended the life of fruit flies. The serum saves Hudson, but it turns him human. Now she has to figure out what to do while she figures out how to turn him back. Her father however discovers Hudson's skills in playing football and has other ideas.
I love that Hudson uses his dog personality to teach everyone a better way to live. His philosophy is do what you want, and he loves to run and play! He doesn't care what others think of him. He teaches the team how to embrace the love of play and not stress as much about the games. He helps the family function and share feelings and more. He helps Emma find other friends.
The story includes questioning ethics in the science as well as using Hudson to win football games. It deals with bullies and how some bullies are because they are afraid of you or have issues in their own lives. Hudson can still sniff fear and other emotions in people. There are also ethics of the headmaster at the school. The book is fun and there are moments of hilariousness as well as seriousness. It is an interesting read and a unique story. It is not just for young adults. Adult readers will find it very interesting.
