Code Name: Serendipity

A quiet winner for animal lovers and fans of realistic fiction.

Eleven-year-old narrator Sadie Mitchell-Rosen lives with her mothers (brown-skinned Mom and cued-white Mama) and 14-year-old brother, Noah (the siblings are "gold and sand"-skinned). Recently diagnosed with a processing disorder, "or as my moms always say, a difference," the young artist dreads "the carnival of suckage that fifth grade has become." Sadie has recently drawn the ire of "Mean Machine" Macy, who's of Japanese descent; her best friend has moved away; and her increasingly confused grandfather comes to live with the family for reasons her moms won't share. The one bright spot is a dog, Dewey, whom Sadie encounters in the woods near her home and who communicates telepathically with her. So when Dewey is slated for euthanasia at the shelter where Sadie's veterinarian mother works, the girl becomes intent on saving Dewey's life, and Gramps hatches a plan to hide the animal. Smith (Something Like Gravity) creates three-dimensional characters and a warm family dynamic, sensitively portraying learning differences and a beloved grandparent with dementia, and exploring difficult feelings without offering easy answers. Sadie's struggles with friendship and being taken seriously ring true, as do her sympathetic voice and heartfelt love of dogs. Ages 8-12. (Jan.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--Turning 11 has meant nothing but trouble for Sadie. School is awful, her best friend has moved away, her older brother has turned into a brat, and now her grandfather, who is fighting dementia, is coming to live with them. If only something good would happen in her life, she might just make it through this terrible year. For Sadie, that something good wanders into her yard one day and she instantly makes a connection. It's a dog, but not just any dog--Sadie swears they can communicate telepathically. The dog is scared and wants nothing more than a good meal and a warm place to sleep. Sadie knows her moms will never allow her to have a dog, not with Gramp's arrival and the changes that are about to come with taking care of him. If only she could tell someone about her ability to communicate with the dog, whom she names Dewey. With the help of a possible new friend and, surprisingly, Gramps, Sadie decides to rescue Dewey anyway and bring her home. But if she's caught, it could be big trouble for everyone. In this heartening tale, readers will meet families with two moms, single parents, as well as extended families. Each shares the bonds of love in unique ways. Characters also confront learning disabilities, mental health issues, and bullying in ways that are uplifting and positive. Sadie finds release in her art and her highly active imagination as well as her deep love for her grandfather. Even her brat of a brother has a heart. Realistic issues are depicted with honesty and reach satisfying conclusions. VERDICT Charming and touching, this novel will find a place with fans of realistic fiction who enjoy a bit of sentimentality.--Carol Connor

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A touching tale of dogged determination and the magic in unexpected connections." —Booklist

A warm, appealing novel about a girl who learns that even though it might seem like everything is going wrong, a bad day—or year—can always change for the better. — Bookpage

"Smith creates three-dimensional characters and a warm family dynamic, sensitively portraying learning differences and a beloved grandparent with dementia, and exploring difficult feelings without offering easy answers. Sadie's struggles with friendship and being taken seriously ring true, as do her sympathetic voice and heartfelt love of dogs." - Publishers Weekly

A thoughtful exploration of interpersonal relationships and what it means to do right by others and ourselves. A quiet winner for animal lovers and fans of realistic fiction. — Kirkus Reviews

"Charming and touching." -School Library Journal

"Tender-hearted and triumphant, this uplifting story shows the many kinds of ways to be lost and found. I couldn't put it down." — Gillian McDunn, acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer and The Queen Bee and Me

"For anyone who doesn't already know that dogs are magic, this book will make you a believer. Amber Smith crafts a heartwarming story that will have you cheering for the power of a bond between a girl and her dog. Simply perfect." —Megan Shepherd, NYT bestselling author of The Secret Horses of Briar Hill

"Smith hews closely to the perspective of her eleven-year-old protagonist, tenderly portraying her challenges—the shame of having an IEP, possibly losing a friend to a move, and witnessing her grandfather struggle with dementia—as well as her solutions: rescuing and hiding a dog. Code Name: Serendipity is a heartwarming story about the friendships found in unexpected places, family relationships deepened by trials, and animals who 'speak' to us." —Jenn Bishop, author of The Distance to Home and Where We Used to Roam

"Smith's debut MG novel is a gentle and generous look at how change, even when it's uncomfortable or painful, can lead to good if we let it. With a sweet dog, a mischievous grandpa, and a new friend, our heroine learns to balance following the rules versus following her heart, and that honesty really is the best policy when it comes to the people we love." —Rebecca Petruck, author of Steering Toward Normal and Boy Bites Bug