
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing the pressure of family finances or feels frustrated by limitations on their hobbies. Larry is a relatable, dog-loving baseball player who suddenly has to navigate his family's economic downturn. Instead of dwelling in sadness, the story focuses on Larry's proactive approach as he takes on a summer job that leads to a local mystery. It is a wonderful tool for teaching resilience and the value of contributing to the family unit. Recommended for ages 8 to 12, this story normalizes the stress of financial change while maintaining a humorous and lighthearted tone that keeps kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed by the heavy subject matter.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with economic hardship and job loss in a very direct, secular, and realistic manner. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: the family doesn't become 'rich' again overnight, but they find stability through collective effort and community support.
An upper-elementary student who is starting to observe 'grown-up' problems like bills or job stress and needs a roadmap for how to handle those feelings of powerlessness through action.
This can be read cold. It is a very safe, supportive read that models healthy parent-child communication about money. A parent might see their child looking through the fridge and commenting on 'expensive' items, or a child might express guilt about asking for new sports equipment or toys.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the fun of the dogs and the mystery. Older readers (11-12) will pick up on the nuances of social class and the dignity of work.
Unlike many 'issue' books that are somber, Lubar uses his signature humor to make the topic of financial struggle accessible and even funny, preventing the child from feeling burdened by the protagonist's plight.
Larry is a middle-school boy whose family is hit by a sudden financial crisis. To help out and keep his own spirits up, he takes on a job walking dogs and working at a kennel. While navigating these new responsibilities and trying to stay on his baseball team, Larry discovers a mystery involving a missing dog and strange neighborhood occurrences. He must use his wits and work ethic to solve the problem while supporting his parents through their tough transition.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.