DOGGIRL
ISBN 978-1-4524-7831-9 (e-book)
ISBN-13: 978-0615478586 (paperback)
ISBN-10: 0615478581 (paperback)
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Riley Case has always been an expert with dogs–it’s people she doesn’t understand. She’s been keeping a low profile in her high school–well, except for that incident with the birds–but when the chance comes to use her talents as a dog trainer to help the drama department win a national competition, she knows she can’t stay in the shadows any longer.
Funny and tender, with plenty for any animal-lover to love, DOGGIRL and her dogs will steal your heart.
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Available as an e-book for $3.99 from Kindle, and as a paperback for $10.98.
You can order an autographed copy of the paperback here.
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READ THE REVIEWS
For readers who love dogs, love theatre, or were ever “That Kid” in high school, Doggirl by Robin Brande is a must-read. This story is absolutely adorable, yet steers clear of being syrupy as it explores the inimitable relationships between dogs and their people, as well as growing up on the fringe of high school life. Brande’s mastery as a character-driven storyteller is on full display here, with relatable characters (human and canine) and a keen journey as freshman Riley Case takes her first tentative steps beyond relationships with her “pack” and into the world of high school drama (both the literal and figurative kind). An excellent read, highly recommended!
~Tom Leveen, author of PARTY
I read Doggirl because I’ve read other books by Robin Brande, and loved them all. My love of dogs was just a bonus, but a huge bonus. Without the slightest doubt, I know that if you love dogs, too, you’re going to adore this book.
Doggirl is certainly a winner among dog books, but it’s much, much more than that. It’s also a touching story of a young girl growing up and coming to terms with feeling like an unappreciated stranger among her contemporaries. I’m sure there are thousands of teenagers out there who can identify with Doggirl’s feelings.
But there’s more. Doggirl’s story is not just for young adults. It’s for Doggirl’s parents as well as the those of us adults who can remember those feelings when they were the “strange” one growing up. I’d definitely one of them, so thank you, Robin Brande.
~Gerald M. Weinberg, author of THE AREMAC PROJECT and other science and tech-oriented novels
I loved this one. I just LOVED this one! I loved Riley, I did. I could relate to her in so many ways! And I loved the story, loved the pacing. I loved Riley’s journey. I loved the process of her development and growth. It wasn’t too fast or too slow. It was just right. . . . I loved Doggirl because it felt so honest, so genuine. It’s a novel with a lot of heart. And it’s not just a novel about a friendless girl finding a place to belong. It’s a book for animal-lovers–specifically dog-lovers–and a book for those that love drama and theater–or creative writing, or film-making. It’s for any one who has ever felt different. (It may just be a novel for everyone.)
~Becky Laney, Becky’s Book Reviews
Told from the point of view of Riley, a freshman who is good with animals but not with people. After being tormented by friends in middle school, Riley decided that the only friends she needed were her parents and her 3 dogs. She keeps a low, lonely profile in high school until she volunteers her amazing trained dogs for a drama production. Will she be able to let people get to know her, or is the risk too great? Likable characters, witty and intelligent dialogue, a little romance, and lovable dogs all come together to make a wonderful book.
~Michelle, Goodreads
I read this in one sitting and I’m still smiling about it a few hours later as I type this. . . . I loved every bit of this book. The romance was subtle and doesn’t overdo the plot at all (as it always is with Brande, which I like) and believable and . . . the dogs! The dogs! I’m more of a cat person but I loved these dogs. . . . This book is another example of a feel-good book that you can curl up with your own dog to read. It’s all heart.
~Maya Espersen, Not on Shelf
Another great novel by Robin Brande. . . . I loved “Doggirl” as much as I loved “Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature” and “Fat Cat.” Robin’s ability to create characters that are real, and likable, and relatable is what makes her books as wonderful as they are. . . . A sweet and fun read, perfect for summer.
~Carly, Goodreads
Doggirl is a complex story because Riley starts off very reserved, and the reader gets to watch her evolve as she opens up and lets people in, getting hurt and hurting others in the process. There is always a risk when you let people in, and the reader is compelled to root for Riley, despite her insisting that after Theater Thrash she will again disappear into the background. I kept reading because I loved the plot, but I was equally curious as to whether Riley would ever learn to trust Beverly and Nate and the others. . . . I love this book to pieces. I really do. I want to start reading it all over again just so I don’t have to say goodbye to the characters.
~Michelle Halpern, 120 Books
If you like dogs at all (even a tiny bit) stop what you’re doing and buy this eBook. Seriously, if you have a soft spot for animals, you are going to want to read this book. Robin Brande has written a story that will pull on your heartstrings. . . . [I]t’s definitely one to pick up if you’re looking for something which addresses more serious issues like bullying and social anxiety, while still remaining sweet and light.
~Ashley, Book Labyrinth
Love animals? Love reading? Love Young Adult books? Even if you answered just one yes, you will love DOGGIRL. . . . Robin Brande captures all the coming-of-age ups and downs, from the anxiety and depression from not fitting in and getting bullied, to the triumphant joy of finding that special group, and even that one cute guy, who likes you just the way you are. I adored it and especially appreciated that while true to the high school experience, it’s also something that all my kids can read. (No explicit profanity or sex, thank you very much!) Highly, highly recommend – a wonderful summer read!
~Shiela Calderon Blankemeier, Writings, Workouts, and Were-Jaguars