Immortal Max

March 1, 2014
Will a boy's dream of owning a puppy ever come true? Twelve-year-old Sam has been keeping a scrapbook on dogs for five years, and this summer, he hopes to use it to find a job and get a German shepherd puppy of his own choosing. There are several obstacles. Sam has no money; a puppy might upset the elderly family dog; responsibilities could prevent Sam from working; and a local bully is ready to torment him. But Sam is determined, and with some help from his friends, he lands a job as a dog walker in a nearby gated community. As further ideas, themes, characters and plot points are thrown into the mix (an overweight friend; a single, working mother; a child beauty pageant; life in a culturally diverse community; money problems; injustice and bias; losing a job; learning to be yourself; experiencing a first date; having an older sibling leave home), the story wobbles under the weight and sometimes loses focus. Sam and his unconscious love for his dog rein the novel in and provide a satisfying if pat ending, as Sam learns to appreciate all he has. Pleasant if imperfect, a treat for dog lovers. (Fiction. 8-12)

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June 1, 2014

Gr 4-6-Sammy is determined to have enough money to buy a purebred puppy before sixth grade, so he becomes a dog walker in a gated community. With the help of friends and family, Sammy learns that dogs and people can be special, regardless of pedigree or cultural heritage. Written in first person from Sammy's perspective, this realistic story might appeal to dog lovers. Unfortunately, the didactic descriptions will take readers out of the story, and the uneven vocabulary creates stilted dialogue that is a strange combination of uncommon words and outdated slang ("swell," "solid"). Although some kids will identify with Sammy's desire for things his family cannot afford, the message that "money isn't everything" is delivered heavy-handedly. The attempt to address cultural heritage is also well intentioned but clumsy. There is a multicultural cast; however, it is assembled with stereotypical rather than unique characters. They constantly talk about cultural heritage, regrettably perpetuating as many cliches as they try to break. The Asian American protagonists are intelligent, while the African American girl has a sister in a gang who taught her "street talk," such as "true dat." And the fat-but-perky white girl learns to be herself and lose weight. The adults also speak of their cultural heritage in a manner that is meant to educate but instead creates broad generalizations. Finally, two characters are described as doing an impromptu "Indian warrior dance." Below average writing and questionable depictions of cultures make this title one to miss.-Amy Seto Musser, Denver Public Library

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