The Pet War
Siblings Otto and Lexi want a pet, but that is as far as their agreement on anything goes. Otto wants a dog, and Lexi wants a cat. Their mother is not sure either of them—especially Otto—is ready for pet ownership, but after impassioned pleas from both, she agrees to let them compete to decide if it will be a dog or a cat as the family pet. Each has a month to raise $500; at the end of the month, whoever has collected the money gets to make the decision. If they get into trouble or let their grades slip, then they will be disqualified. Lexi, a straight-A student, sets up a tutoring business and then a sign-making business. Otto, after several disastrous attempts, starts a dog-walking business. He tries to be responsible, but his nature does not make it easy. Who will win? Although narrated by Otto, Woodrow’s humorous novel has both boy and girl reader appeal. Grades 4-6. --Suanne Roush