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A breathtaking middle-grade novel about happiness, loss, and an unforgettable dog named Flip“This story convinced me all over again that love and imagination are life’s biggest magic.” —Rebecca Stead, author of Newbery Award winner When You Reach Me   Ben Coffin has never been one for making friends. As a former foster kid, he knows people can up and leave without so much as a goodbye. Ben prefers to spend his time with the characters in his favorite sci-fi books…until he rescues an abandoned mutt from the alley next-door to the Coney Island Library.   Scruffy little Flip leads Ben to befriend a fellow book-lover named Halley—yes, like the comet—a girl unlike anyone he has ever met. Ben begins thinking of her as “Rainbow Girl” because of her crazy-colored clothes and her laugh, pure magic, the kind that makes you smile away the stormiest day.    Rainbow Girl convinces Ben to write a novel with her.  But as their story unfolds Ben’s life begins to unravel, and Ben must discover for himself the truth about friendship and the meaning of home. Paul Griffin’s breathtaking middle-grade debut will warm your heart as much as it breaks it.    "Full of pace and laughter, bruises and heart. Paul Griffin is the sort of writer you're torn between telling the whole world about and keeping all to yourself."—Markus Zusak, author of Printz Honor Winner The Book Thief“‘Friendship’ is an absolutely beautiful, heart-expanding book.  I cried, but more than that I felt this giant balloon of love for everyone.  This story convinced me all over again that love and imagination are life’s biggest magic. It’ll make you want to grab hold of everyone important to you and lick them on the nose.”   —Rebecca Stead, author of Newbery Award winner When You Reach Me"Some books change the way you see the world. Some change the way you breathe. This book will leave you breathless. This is Paul Griffin's best book yet—and that's really saying something." —Patricia McCormick, author of National Book Award Finalist Sold"When Friendship Followed Me Home is both a beautiful book, and an honest book; it is, in fact, beautiful because it is honest. We see the pain of loss, and the glory of community. We see love in its many forms, and we witness the truth that love goes on despite all barriers. Cheer for Ben and Halley: it is kids like these who are our hope.”  —Gary D. Schmidt, author of Okay for Now

Book Title: When Friendship Followed Me Home

Author: Paul Griffin

Synopsis:

Paul Griffin's "When Friendship Followed Me Home" is a heartwarming and inspiring memoir that chronicles his unique and endearing relationship with an orphaned baby kangaroo named Skippy. Set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Australia, Paul's journey with Skippy captivates the reader with its portrayal of the unyielding bond between a man and his furry friend.

Key Content:

1. The Unforeseeable Friendship:

Paul Griffin's chance encounter with an orphaned baby kangaroo while on a job site sets the stage for an improbable yet enduring amity. Driven by compassion, Paul takes Skippy under his care, nurturing the helpless joey with unwavering dedication. The account of their initial meeting and the unwavering bond that forms between them tugs at the heart, highlighting the power of inter- species empathy.

2. The Kangaroo's Journey:

Paul embarks on a transformative journey as he raises Skippy from a helpless joey to a thriving adult kangaroo. The pages unfold the nuances of Skippy's development, showcasing his playful antics, his growth, and his endearing loyalty toward Paul. As Skippy matures, he faces the challenges of the wild and the adjustments of a semi-captive environment, highlighting the resilience and resourcefuiness of these fascinating animals.

3. Life Lessons and Heartwarming Moments:

The book encapsulate a wealth of life-enriching experiences, offering valuable perspectives on nature, animal behavior, and the unmeasurable value of unconditional friendships. Paul explores the idea of compassion, showcasing how human kindness can transform the life of an orphaned joey. He also shares heartwarming anecdotes that delve into the shared moments of joy, laughter, and unwavering support between himself and Skippy.

4. Navigating the Wild and the Semi-Captivity:

Paul's journey with Skippy is not without its complexities. "When Friendship Followed Me Home" captures the challenges of blending wild instincts with the comforts and responsibities of a semi-captive life. Paul embarks on a delicare balancing act, respecting Skippy's natural instincts while providing the necessary nurturing and protecion. The author invites us to ponder the intricaies of human-animal relationships, questioning the inherent conflict between human care and animal freedom.

Conclusion:

In the tapestry of Paul Griffin's "When Friendship Followed Me Home" lies a story of love, devotion, and the unbreakaable bond between a man and his furry friend. It's a testament to the transformative power of compassion and the shared experiences that enrich the lives of both species. The book offers a thought-provoking and heartwarming perspective on inter- species relationship, leaving reader with a renewed apprecation for the wonders of the natural world and the joy of embracing the unknown