Perfect for fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and Homeward Bound--a moving adventure full of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans.
Nando may have started life as the runt of the litter, but he's grown into a loyal, hardworking border collie that takes his job--and his family--seriously. He believes that the only way to keep his place on the farm and in the heart of his human, Esperanza, is to maintain perfection in all his responsibilities--and nothing less.
But when a tropical storm turns the creek by the farm into a raging river and scatters Cloe, Nando's favorite young human; Stella, a friendly beagle; Oscar, the farm's annoying cat; and Nando himself, Nando learns the hard truth: He can't control everything.
Stranded far from home, Nando is rescued by Levi, a boy with a brave heart and a gift for seeing good in others, who was also displaced by the storm. Nando and Levi are both trying to get back home, but when Levi leashes Nando, he leaves the independent herding dog with little choice but to stick with him. As they face rising waters, dangerous terrain, and the uncertainty of finding their way back, Levi offers Nando courage, friendship, and love, teaching Nando that he doesn't have to be perfect to be loved and accepted.
About the Author :
McCall Hoyle is a best-selling author, a middle school reading teacher, and a former school librarian. Her books have been included on numerous state reading and children's choice award lists, including the Texas Bluebonnet Award and the Florida Sunshine Young Readers Award, and are the recipients of awards such as the William Allen White Children's Book Award, The Sequoyah Children's Book Award, and more. McCall visits dozens of schools each year, championing students and reading and writing.
When she grows up, she'd also like to be a professional dog trainer. She writes heartfelt books for kids of all ages and believes one of the best ways to spread hope and share her heart is by writing about the special bond between dogs and their humans.
She has an English degree from Columbia College and a master's degree in secondary English from Georgia State University. She lives in a cottage in the woods in North Georgia, where she reads and writes every day.
You can learn more about her at mccallhoyle.com or visit her on Instagram @McCallHoyleBooks.
Review :
Chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
-- "Junior Library Guild" (5/4/2026 12:00:00 AM)
