Mountain Dog

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, struggling with family instability, or processing the absence of a parent. It follows Tony, a young boy sent to live with a great-uncle he barely knows after his mother is incarcerated. Through the lens of his relationship with a search-and-rescue dog named Gabe, Tony learns to navigate his new world in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The story explores deep themes of trust, resilience, and the healing power of the natural world. Written in accessible verse, it provides a safe space for children ages 8 to 12 to explore complex emotions without feeling overwhelmed. It is a beautiful choice for fostering empathy and showing that even when life feels broken, new connections can help us heal.