The Good, the Bad & the Beagle

Set in a Manhattan, this is the story of feisty eleven-year-old Veronica Morgan, who believes that a furry lemon beagle from the neighborhood pet store will be the solution to the endless worries she has about life in general and friendship in particular. This is a problem, since her bumbling psychiatrist parents won't buy her the puppy she wants or stop meddling in her life at her challenging new school. But things never turn out the way you plan, particularly if you never stop expecting the worst to happen, and haven't taken a chance on being a true friend yourself.

**

### From School Library Journal

Gr 4–6—Pessimistic Veronica Morgan determines that if another family purchases her favorite dog from the local pet store, it will be a fate "worse than death." Veronica's quiet disposition and social anxiety, which seems to go nearly unnoticed by her psychiatrist parents, separate the protagonist from the rest of her friendly peers. Her parents surprise her by purchasing Cadbury, the dog she has wished for, which consumes the 11-year-old's life for months. Ultimately, circumstances force Veronica to deal with death, friendship, and academic responsibility. This novel centers on a subdued, asocial teen who becomes unhealthily obsessed with her dog, Cadbury. While Burns's visually descriptive writing brings Manhattan and Veronica's inner thoughts to life, the plotting is inconsistent and at times difficult to follow. Themes of Judaism, atheism, and a connection to the natural world float through the text, but are never truly developed or resolved. Burns fails to create an authentic bond between Veronica and Cadbury, which becomes problematic, given the protagonist's extended heartbreak after the animals' death. The girl's depression and months of seclusion seem overdramatic and unrealistic. Ultimately, readers will be left wondering if Veronica has changed or learned anything through her predicaments.—Mary-Brook J. Townsend, The McGillis School, Salt Lake City, UT

### Review

“Animal lovers and insecure middle-schoolers alike will connect with this realistic portrayal of tween life.” ―*Booklist*

“Burns approaches serious (and less serious) topics with empathy and humor, making Veronica's mistakes and recoveries as fun to read about as the boldest of adventures.” ―*VOYA*

“Readers will find [Veronica's] journey back to contentment both fully believable and emotionally resonant.” ―*Kirkus Reviews*

“Offers a warmhearted and realistic take on love, grief, and the difficulties and rewards of making human friends.” ―*Publishers Weekly*

“Burns's visually descriptive writing brings Manhattan and Veronica's inner thoughts to life.” ―*School Library Journal*