There’s no denying this pup is cute. But looks don’t often get one the life they deserve.

Nugget starts out living with his mom, brothers and sisters in the kindly home of the Vandyck family. It’s a prefect fit until the family has to move and find adoptive homes for the puppies. Nugget panics and runs away. He is soon lost on the streets of Boston.

Alone for the first time, Nugget ends up at a zoo and befriends a porcupine who somewhat reluctantly helps Nugget survive. Zoos aren’t the best place for a lost puppy especially when Nugget has a terrible encounter with another animal. His injuries leave him not so cute in the eyes of others. Some even call him Ugly.

Soon enough Nugget is adopted by Linh Trần and her daughter, a troubled girl who is often bullied by her field hockey teammates. This bullying leads to Nugget running away once more. Next stop is another, much larger family who takes him in, scars and all.

The third person narration makes the ride an enjoyable journey. The sadness of Nugget running away and not finding the love he deserves is softened by the narrator’s optimism. The voice is reflective and makes you want to read more.

This memorable story confirmed why so many families make dogs a part of their lives. NUGLY has 48 short chapters and makes for a nice read aloud. Perfect for the dog lover in your family.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT NUGLY by M.C. Ross

1. You’ll be lost on the streets of Boston right alongside Nugget. An eye opening journey the entire way.
2. The three kids who are a brief part of Nugget’s journey bring their own struggles. Eventually they are better by the presence of this little pup.
3. The subject of trust plays out in wonderful fashion.
4. The Franklin Park Zoo made a likeable setting for part of the book. So many interesting scenes with the other animals.
5. Love has many meanings and Nugget’s circle of understanding the concept is the core of this heartfelt story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Apple Valley, Minnesota, M.C. Ross knew that he wanted to be a writer from the time he was in first grade. He went to Harvard University, got a degree in English, moved to New York, and started writing books for kids. Well, there were some other steps in the middle – he wore a funny hat and worked as a tour guide; he went door to door around Minnesota raising money for Sesame Street; and he spent two years as a babysitter to a family of three Siberian Huskies, all of whom were insane. Overall, he feels very fortunate.

(For more about M.C. and his books visit his author website)

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