It has been a while since I have wept over a children's book or any book. I am warning you to have the tissues close at hand when you near the ending of this book. Julia's pet St. Bernard is old. His slight cold turns out to be the warning that his heart is damaged. Julia tries to reject the words of the veterinarian the way she often impulsively reacts to negative situations. She tries to alter their daily routines to keep Bigfoot safe. She has a big problem at school also. Her third grade reading buddy, Fergus hates reading as does she. Somehow they have to create a huge literary project. Another problem involves Julia's fear of upperclassmen in general, and the seemingly perfect, Ms. Caravaggio, eighth grade basketball star. Julia has great friends of all ages, supportive parents and caring school personnel. I am not a dog lover and am more partial to small canines, but McGhee creates a wonderful pet in Bigfoot. You don't have to be a dog loving, sixth grade girl to enjoy this book -- her best friend is a boy and Julia who has a goal of claiming fame by being the youngest person to get 300+ free shots through the basketball hoop is no girly-girl.
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