Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he’s devised a plan – impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin. This should be a walk in the park . . . right?
(Middle Grade)
(Middle Grade)
"This charming, empathetic story centers the engaging voice of a boy who has a strong set of strategies for doing his best."
—Kirkus Reviews
"All The Small Wonderful Things is indeed a wonderful thing— a tender and lovingly told story, filled with warmth, hope, and honesty."
- Alysa Wishingrad
"You'll love this story of an extraordinary autistic boy and his darling dog, along with their wonderful family and friends. It was just what my heart needed to read."
- Megan E. Freeman
"A heartwarming story of friendship – both the human sort and the animal sort. Alex is an eleven-year-old with autism, and he hopes that winning a trophy at PAWS, the local dog show, will be his chance to make friends. Alex’s voice is so endearing."
- Kate Albus
"This novel gives readers incredible insight into the daily life of an individual with autism and I feel this book belongs in every elementary classroom and should be on a mandatory reading list."
- Halli Gomez
"Recommended reading for middle grade! I just finished reading this and loved it. Alex's voice is sweet and strong, and the sensory descriptions felt autistically spot-on. Any dog-loving kid will enjoy this read."
- Sally J. Pla
—Kirkus Reviews
"All The Small Wonderful Things is indeed a wonderful thing— a tender and lovingly told story, filled with warmth, hope, and honesty."
- Alysa Wishingrad
"You'll love this story of an extraordinary autistic boy and his darling dog, along with their wonderful family and friends. It was just what my heart needed to read."
- Megan E. Freeman
"A heartwarming story of friendship – both the human sort and the animal sort. Alex is an eleven-year-old with autism, and he hopes that winning a trophy at PAWS, the local dog show, will be his chance to make friends. Alex’s voice is so endearing."
- Kate Albus
"This novel gives readers incredible insight into the daily life of an individual with autism and I feel this book belongs in every elementary classroom and should be on a mandatory reading list."
- Halli Gomez
"Recommended reading for middle grade! I just finished reading this and loved it. Alex's voice is sweet and strong, and the sensory descriptions felt autistically spot-on. Any dog-loving kid will enjoy this read."
- Sally J. Pla
REVIEWS
'Paws is a thoughtful, and well-crafted book which deals with friendship and hope. Alex is a wonderfully caring character.'
- Maisie Chan ***** 'This was a charming read I thoroughly enjoyed. I think any young reader will relate to Alex as he navigates school, dreams and forming friendships with the fun of a dog show thrown in! Honest, touching and real ... a hug of a book.' - Gina Blaxill ***** 'This is a book about friendship and it's ADORABLE. It's gentle & heart warming and – thankfully, because it's impossible not to care – has the perfect feel good ending' - Perdita Cargill ***** |
“Insightful and compassionate, humorous and quietly gripping – in an assured debut novel, Kate Foster give us the story of Alex, who is autistic and entirely relatable to anyone who happens to be human.” - Wendy Orr ***** “Warm and heartfelt, PAWS is a tender story of friendship that is both honest and uplifting. Readers will be cheering for Alex in the final pages and pestering their parents for a dog like Kevin. An impressive debut.” - Sue Whiting ***** “PAWS is a beautiful debut bursting with charm and authenticity. Alex’s voice rings with heart, humour, and honesty, striking a chord that rings absolutely true.” - Meg McKinlay ***** “A beautifully written and tender tale of a child navigating friendships, where to find friends, what types of friends, how to make friends, and how to keep friends. Also top marks for amazing doggos! Loved it.” - Bren MacDibble ***** |