Dog Called Homeless, A

Reach for this book when your child is experiencing a loss that feels too big for words, or if they have begun to withdraw into silence following a difficult life change. It is a deeply compassionate story about Cally, a girl who stops speaking after her mother's death because the world feels too noisy with grief that her family refuses to acknowledge. Through her friendship with a massive silver dog named Homeless, a boy with multiple disabilities, and a man living on the streets, Cally learns that communication isn't just about speaking, it is about being seen. This secular, realistic novel offers a gentle bridge for families to discuss the 'elephant in the room' of grief. It is best suited for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who are ready for a poignant but ultimately hopeful exploration of healing and connection.