Source: From the Publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.
Publisher: Levine Querido
Publication Date: April 22, 2025
Rating:
Goodreads Synopsis:
When Sophie and her two Jack Russell terriers move to Boston, she's excited not to be the only brown kid in the neighborhood anymore. She instantly likes the quirky teenager named Juno next door and her pug, Bonney. But not everything's easy. Her classmates make fun of her Vermont overalls. The upstairs neighbor hates barking. And Bonney needs surgery that Juno's family can't afford.So Sophie and Juno invent the Barking Puppy, the first ever newspaper written “by dogs” and “for dogs.” Will anyone else get how funny it is? And more importantly, can they sell it to raise enough money in time to save Bonney? Will the landlord kick Sophie and her mom out before they even get started?
This middle-grade story, inspired by real people, is a cute and heartwarming read—especially for dog lovers! Sophie moves to Boston with her two Jack Russell terriers and, while nervous, approaches the change with a positive attitude, a solid plan and of course - lists! She quickly befriends her new neighbor, Juno, and together they come up with The Barking Puppy, a newspaper “by dogs, for dogs,” initially just a fun pastime they end up using it to raise money for Juno’s pug, Bonney, who needs surgery.
The biggest highlights of this book are the dogs! They add so much charm and humor, and Sophie’s shared responsibility for her pets with her mom was a nice touch. The friendship between Sophie and Juno also felt natural, and I appreciated the way they encouraged each other’s creativity. Their enthusiasm for their project was fun to see.
That said, while the story had heart, a few elements didn’t quite work for me. The pacing was slow, especially in the beginning, and the idea of kids launching a newspaper felt a bit outdated—most young readers may not find it relatable. Additionally, the way they fundraised and received donations seemed overly simplified and not very realistic, which made it hard to fully connect with their struggle.
Overall, while this wasn’t a perfect read, it was still a sweet and funny book that younger readers—especially those who love dogs—will likely enjoy. I’m curious to see how the series develops!
