The Dog Knight (Dog Knight #1)

This middle-grade graphic novel takes readers on a delightful journey exploring gender identity and purpose. Crisp artwork with sharp coloring brings the expressive characters, especially the dogs, to life. At points goofy, endearing, and inspiring, this book shows the beauty of accepting yourself--and the excellence of dogs.

Middle schooler Frankie has just come out as nonbinary in this good-humored fantastical graphic novel by Whitley (the School for Extraterrestrial Girls series) and Indigo (Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy), the first in a series. Though they lose friendships and experience bullying following their coming-out, Frankie perseveres, unwilling to allow these challenges to overwhelm them. While fleeing from a bully, Frankie stumbles and is knocked unconscious. They eventually wake in the Omniversal Doghouse, a magical universe headed by the Pawtheon, a collection of the wisest dogs in the universe, who inform Frankie that they've been chosen to become the Dog Knight, the protector of humankind and animals. Guided by loyal pup Platinum, Frankie embarks on a series of trials designed to test their loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and... sense of smell. Platinum's immediate trust of Frankie helps to ground the tween whenever they feel as if they don't fit in their skin or their community. Indigo utilizes varied paneling to great effect, imbuing the illustrations with fluid movement and a spry energy that skillfully complements Whitley's wry dialogue. Frankie cues as biracial (Black and white). Ages 9-12. (May)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Quality queer representation and a strong narrative voice make this sweet, funny series opener a winner. All hail the paw-some Dog Knight!

Frankie is an endlessly endearing and relatable character whom readers will root for from the very first panel, and the Justice League-like group of dogs Frankie meets are filled with humor and heart. The paneled artwork is energetic and entertaining, a natural fit for the clever dialogue and themes of self-acceptance, identity, and creation of healthy boundaries and relationships.

"A delightful story of fate-of-the-world friendship and adventure, filled with a ton of heart... and tails too." — Unbeatable Squirrel Girl author Ryan North

"The Dog Knight is a classic hero's journey with a unique, relatable hero wearing a very silly hat. I mean helm. And a lot of very charming dogs. I really like it, and I am saying that as an avowed cat person." — Dana Simpson, author of Phoebe and her Unicorn

"A well crafted story about the struggles of children who identify as nonbinary. The Dog Knight shows us that when we are true to ourselves and stand up for what's right, everybody wins; A powerful lesson in leading by example, illustrated in spectacular fashion." —Andrew Aydin, coauthor of MARCH and RUN