PUPPY LOVE

A sweetly humorous middle grade novel packed with action, basketball, and a dash of magical realism about friendship and family, first crushes and belonging from acclaimed author Gary Soto. Perfect for fans of The Season of Styx Malone and The First Rule of Punk.

WARM FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP STORY
The warm portrayal of Jordan's loving, working-class Latinx family and his close relationship with his best friend shine in this expertly crafted novel that's brimming with positive, casual diversity.

HUMOR, MYSTERY, AND A TOUCH OF MAGICAL REALISM
Provide just the right counterpoint to themes of first crushes and fitting in and the story's subtle social commentary.

AWARD-WINNING WRITER WITH A FLAIR FOR ACCESSIBLE, KID-FRIENDLY STORIES
Gary Soto's many awards include the Tomás Rivera Prize, the Andrew Carnegie Medal, the Hispanic Heritage Award for Literature, and the Author-Illustrator Civil Rights Award from the National Education Association. His New and Selected Poems was a National Book Award finalist. He is also the author of an American Girl book, Marisol, which sold 40,000 copies, and his fast-paced sports stories have remained kid-favorites for decades.

Gary Soto is the author of numerous books for young readers, as well as poetry and novels for adults. His New and Selected Poems was a National Book Award finalist, and he is a recipient of the Andrew Carnegie Medal and the Hispanic Heritage Award for Literature.