The Rapid Reader

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   Stay! Keeper's Story is a middle grade fiction novel by Newbery Award winning author Lois Lowry. Keeper has had many names. As he looks back over his life, he shares his story with the reader. From birth to present time, Keeper has experienced loss, fame, and friendship. Sex: None. Keeper mentions seeing his mom "flirt" with a male dog. Language: Pal refers to his mother as "a fine bitch." It's not used as a curse word, but may be something parents want to know about ahead of time. Drug/Alcohol Use: Jack drinks beer. Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: A couple of dog fights. Keeper hears that his sister may be "put to sleep," but he doesn't understand what that means. One of Keeper's companions dies. Final Note: This book was published in the late 90's, but I love Lois Lowry and wanted to read some of her lesser known books. This was a quick read and very enjoyable! It reminded m...

Purchase this book on Amazon here!   When Friendship Followed Me Home is a middle grade fiction novel by Paul Griffin. Ben is walking home from the library one day when a dog follows him home. His mother, who adopted him from foster care two years before, immediately exclaims that he can keep him. With the help of Flip, Ben soon becomes friends with the local librarian's daughter, Halley (like the comet). When Ben faces struggles, Ben and Halley are there to help him through. Sex: Ben's friend Chucky often remarks and asks about Halley's chest and rear. Ben usually tells him to stop. Also, Ben's mother remarks that she found Ben after her partner, Laura, died. There is one kissed shared between characters. Ben and Halley often hold hands, but Ben always says it's "just as friends." Language: Mild. Drug/Alcohol Use: Ben says that he was dropped off as a baby and drugs were found in his blood. But, he's never been addicted to anything. Uncle ...