Welcome to Dog Beach: The Seagate Summers Book One
For 11-year-old Remy, Seagate Island, where her family vacations every year, is perfect because “summer after summer, it always stays the same.” But this summer is different. Her beloved dog, Danish, has died, and Remy misses him terribly. Her best friends Micayla and Bennett are branching out from their trio: Micayla is spending more time with Avery, who lives on the island year round, and Bennett is doing dumb “boy” things with new pal Calvin. Plus, jokes from adults about Bennett being her boyfriend are starting to feel strange instead of stupid. Remy’s love for dogs puts her in the ideal position for a summer job dog-sitting the island’s canine residents, but she worries this, too, will take her farther away from her friends. Greenwald’s gentle read is tailor-made for those on the cusp of friendship misunderstandings, burgeoning popularity awareness, awkward crushes, and the wobbly feeling that can come from deviating from comfortable routine. All of Remy’s worries are soothed eventually, and happiness is well earned. This sweet series opener promises an agreeable journey. Grades 4-8. --Krista Hutley