STANLEY

A puppy and a boy learn that setbacks can offer fertile ground for growth.

Ross’ latest dog story introduces Stanley, a black Labrador retriever/German shepherd mix who turns out to be “too friendly to be a service dog.” Stanley’s disappointment parallels that of 12-year-old hockey player Charlie O’Donnell, a Boston boy who’s relegated to the Charlestown Bunkeroos, a B team, because his fierce intensity makes him a poor teammate. Charlie’s father is dead, and his mom thinks that a joyful dog is just what he needs—and so they adopt Stanley. Charlie channels his frustration into relentless practice sessions with Stanley, whose retrieving instincts make him ideal for defensive drills. But determination and natural talent aren’t enough to teach Charlie the value of respecting others. Through hard-earned lessons and guidance, both boy and dog begin to understand how to turn their shortcomings into strengths. Ross’ cheeky third-person narrator occasionally addresses readers directly while deftly switching between the inner thoughts of the dog and the boy. Charlie’s team is coed, and the girls are given agency both on and off the ice. The pacing glides smoothly before accelerating toward a satisfying and tidy finale. Ultimately, the novel uses a passion for sports as a vehicle for exploring resilience, self-awareness, and the transformative power of friendship. Charlie presents white, and there’s racial diversity among the supporting cast.

Dogs, hockey, Boston—score!