When Friendship Followed Me Home
A boy's chance encounter with a scruffy dog leads to an unforgettable friendship in this deeply moving story about life, loss, and the meaning of family.
Ben Coffin has never felt like he fits in. A former foster kid, he keeps his head down at school to avoid bullies and spends his afternoons reading sci-fi books at the library. But that all changes when he finds a scruffy abandoned dog named Flip and befriends the librarian's daughter, Halley. For the first time, Ben starts to feel like he belongs in his own life.
Then everything changes, and suddenly Ben is more alone than ever. But with a little help from Halley's magician father, Ben discovers his place in the world and learns to see his own magic through others' eyes.
Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, this audiobook is a must-listen for dog lovers and fans of emotionally resonant middle grade novels like One for the Murphys and Okay for Now.
"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 by Paul Griffin is a heartwarming and inspiring story about the power of friendship and the transformative journey of a lonely boy named Billy and his unexpected companion, a stray dog named Shadow.
Raised by a single father, Billy's life is devoid of joy and companionship until the day Shadow enters his life. Shadow, a scruffy, stray dog with captivating eyes, is as lonely and neglected as Billy. Their chance encounter sets in motion a series of events that changes their lives forever.
With Shadow by his side, Billy embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery surrounding his absent mother, a passionate wildlife photographer who disappeared when he was a baby. Their journey takes them across rugged landscapes, encountering diverse characters, and unearthing forgotten memories that hold the key to the past.
As Billy and Shadow delve deeper into the enigma of his mother's disappearance, they form an unbreakable bond that transcends the boundaries of species. Shadow becomes Billy's confidant, protector, and a source of unwavering support, helping him navigate the tumultuous waters of grief, loneliness, and self-discovery.
When Friendship Followed Me Home is a captivating tale that celebrates the transformative power of friendship, family, and the enduring connection between humans and animals. Paul Griffin's poignant storytelling and vivid imagery bring to life a world where loyalty, resilience, and love conquer all.
Join Billy and Shadow on their extraordinary journey as they navigate the trials of life, unveil hidden truths, and discover the true meaning of friendship and family. When Friendship Followed Me Home is a must-read for animal lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone searching for hope and inspiration in the unlikeliest of places.
Rating: