Missing Mike by Shari Green - ESSENTIAL

Missing Mike by Shari Green, 248 pages. Pajama Press, 2018. $17. 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Cara’s best friend is Mike Wazowski, her one-eyed dog. She’s devastated when he runs off just as her family are fleeing the wildfires threatening her neighborhood. Her father insists that it’s too dangerous to go after him. While staying in temporary housing, Cara has one thing on her mind. Finding Mike. She contacts all the shelters and posts a photo on social media. When Mike still doesn’t turn up, there’s only one thing left to do. Ignore the evacuation order and return home.

I can’t say enough good things about Shari Green’s verse novels. She chooses words carefully to make an emotional connection and teach you a valuable lesson. Cara is not upset when her home is destroyed, because she realizes that a home is not defined by the physical dwelling, but by the people in it. Cara’s home is wherever Mike is. Most people identify with the strong urge to save a pet. That, combined with the recent wildfire disasters, make this a book kids will thoroughly enjoy. 

Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist