"A sweetly rendered story of friendship and finding your place. McGovern creates natural conversations between not only Chester and Frankie but also between the animals and their persons, adding wisdom and humor to this gentle narrative. A recommended read for young animal-lovers and those looking for an authentic experience of neurodiversity. A small gem of inclusiveness!" Booklist Online
"An ingenious perspective on the world of neurodiversityfunny and heartfelt. Frankies wisdom and growth are models for the rest of us." Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award winning author of Mockingbird
"Charming and funny, thoughtful and tendera heartwarming story about the power of personal connection and a much needed reminder that sometimes we find those connections in the most unlikely places." Booki Vivat, New York Times bestselling author of the Frazzled series
Frankie brings a fresh, furry, often humorous, and always honest perspective on family, friendships, and the challenges of overcoming your fears and finding acceptance. A rich blend of humor and heart." John David Anderson, author of Posted and Ms. Bixby's Last Day
Praise for Chester and Gus: In this delightful novel, Cammie McGovern has somehow managed to channel, with absolute perfection, the endearing voice of an aspiring service dog named Chester. Joyful, inspiring, and completely winning, Chester and Gus is unforgettable. Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan
Beautifully imagined and deeply affecting, Cammie McGoverns sensitive portrait of one resilient family and their very special dog demonstrates that the best lives are lived when differences are cherished. Leslie Connor, award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook
The quintessential book about a boy and his dogperfectly beautiful.
Huffington Post
[ Readers] will be charmed by Chesters warmth and loyalty. Publishers Weekly
Gus gradual, subtle interactions with his classmates ring true and sympathetic. Kirkus Reviews
I loved this! Its a cross between The One and Only Ivan and Out of My Mind. Kids will love it because its a dog story and a school story. Teachers and parents will love it because its an intimate look at a family with a non-verbal autistic son. It rang so true for me. Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop (Houston, TX)
Praise for Just My Luck: I loved this portrait of a young boy struggling to find his role in a family determined not to be defined by their differences. Bennys brave story, told with wry humor, is inspirational. Ann M. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of Rain Reign
In narrator Benny, readers find a resilient and very observant 9-year-old who accepts those around him with their strengths and shortcomings alike. His story is insightful and inspirational.
Kirkus Reviews
In her first middle-grade novel, McGovern brings readers fully into Bennys troubled thoughts, making a clear distinction between the things that he cant control (his fathers health, his brothers autism) and the things that he can. McGoverns thoughtful depiction of a family facing difficult situations without fracturing, coupled with a gentle message about not being too hard on oneself, will surely speak to middle schoolers with their own slate of worries.
Publishers Weekly
In her debut novel for middle grade readers, McGovern presents a heart-filled story of a likable boy who doesnt realize that his natural gifts are recognizable and valued by a supportive family and his teacher Mr. Norris. There are many moments that will ring true to middle grade readers: feeling anxious about friendships, wanting to be noticed, and trying to do the right thing. Recommend this sensitive novel to fans of Lisa Graffs Absolutely Almost and Rob Buyeas Because of Mr. Terupt.
School Library Journal
McGoverns observations about ordinary-seeming life and about the people around us, about small acts of kindness and healing and forgiveness, are perceptive and thought-provoking. The Horn Book
Bennys first-person narrative radiates with exactly the kind of compassion his mother recommends: to ease your own pain, try to help others. Like many nine-year-olds, Benny can be guileless in one moment and wise beyond his years in another, and his fascination with LEGO Minifigures will likely delight many young readers, who might share his hobby. In addition, Bennys goodhearted family embraces a well-rounded life, supporting each other even when its tough. Highly recommended for fans of realistic fiction by writers such as Ann M. Martin or Lisa Graff. ALA Booklist
McGovern writes convincingly about characters trying to figure out how best to live with the complications of a disability, both the person whom it most affects and also those around him or her. She manages to keep Bennys voice authentic and still draw a rich cast of minor characters. As she does for older teens in Say What You Will and A Step Toward Falling, she offers younger readers a compelling story filled with people they will care about. Bennys voice deserves to be read aloud in a classroom. Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
