Notes from the Dog

Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant life transition or feeling overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. While the story follows thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson as he survives forty-five days in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash, the emotional core is about a boy grappling with his parents' divorce and a heavy secret. It is an essential read for middle schoolers learning to navigate the shift from childhood dependence to the gritty reality of self-reliance. Paulsen masterfully explores how a person can move from paralyzing fear to a state of 'tough hope.' It is a secular, realistic adventure that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the quiet dignity of solving one's own problems, making it a perfect anchor for children needing a boost in confidence and inner strength.