JUST GRACE WALKS THE DOG
From the Just Grace series, volume 3
by Charise Mericle Harper & illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper
Just Grace returns with a new concern: She wants a dog, but her parents say no. To prove she is dependable and responsible enough to care for a real dog, Grace and her best friend Mimi make one of cardboard she can pretend to feed and walk while they investigate what kind of dog would make the best pet. Readers unfamiliar with the first two books are quickly brought up to date with clear explanations of Grace’s school name and the important people in her world, although Grace’s age and grade are not specified in this volume (previous titles identified her as a third grader). The beloved student teacher Mr. Frank has left but Miss Lois (the unfortunate name-giver) offers an interesting new project, journal keeping, and realistic journal entries provide continuity to the story. Grace’s cartoon illustrations and charts enliven the conversational, first-person text. Her ruminations about the ways that people—and animals—may not be what they seem will provide both entertainment and food for thought for a wide range of readers. (Fiction. 7-10)