Newbery Medal–winner Patricia MacLachlan crafts a beautiful and moving middle grade novel about two children who find comfort working at a rescue center for dogs, as they search for ways to cope after their father’s sudden death. Now in paperback.

Declan O’Brien always had a gentle word to share, odd phrases he liked to repeat, and songs to sing while he played basketball. His family loved him deeply, and they always knew were loved in return.

But a terrible accident one day changes their lives forever, and Fiona and Finn O’Brien are left without a father. What words are there to guide them through such overwhelming grief? At the suggestion of their friend Luke, they volunteer at an animal rescue shelter where they meet two sweet dogs who are in need of comfort, too.

Perhaps with time, patience, and their father’s gentle words in their hearts, hope will spark once more.