Buddy

A parent would reach for this book when their child is facing a difficult transition, the loss of a pet, or the realization that life is not always fair. Set against the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina, this moving story follows young Li'l T and his beloved dog, Buddy. When the family is forced to evacuate New Orleans and leave Buddy behind, Li'l T must grapple with intense guilt and the grueling search for his best friend. It is an emotionally resonant exploration of loyalty, socioeconomic struggle, and the hard choices that come with growing up. Parents will find this an excellent tool for discussing empathy and the complex reality that doing the right thing can sometimes be heartbreaking. While there is significant emotional weight, the story is masterfully handled for the middle-school reader.