Chester, an older schnoodle mix, was given affection by his former guardian in the form of candy. When she moves into an assisted-living apartment and surrenders him to a shelter, his teeth are decayed beyond saving and must be removed. Without teeth, what is a dog to do?
A precocious twelve-year-old, Georgia, an only child, wants—indeed NEEDS—a dog. Sensing imminent loss, she believes a dog, any dog, will ease her dread as she watches her parents’ marriage dissolve. She coaxes her mother to drive her to a pet shelter.
In a stroke of love, Georgia finds Chester. Chester finds Georgia.
Georgia tells us that Chester “seems to have a special gift.” He “can smell the future.”
The Magic 8 Ball? Emma is intrigued. Asked specifically yes-or-no questions, the answer will float up through the glass, darkly. “It doesn’t always give me the answers I want, but it’s only wrong about fifty percent of the time. And when I don’t like the answer, I try again.”
Georgia’s father, considering him a complication, calls Chester “The Last Straw.” When Chester is taken to school to facilitate a lesson in probability, because he has no teeth the students laugh and call him Grandpa. Georgia speaks up to defend Chester. She will not allow name-calling to define him. (Chester’s lack of teeth, while not Plan A, can later be considered a helpful attribute! I will leave it for the reader to discover how this is useful in his new life.)
Subtle irony—Georgia’s relationship with the Magic 8 Ball is similar to what she believes will be her relationship to a pet: a reflection of that for which she hopes. A dog will be fully present, nonjudgmental, and show unfailing loyalty. This is especially important because Georgia foresees the decampment of her best friend.
CHESTER AND THE MAGIC 8 BALL is remarkably relatable. No matter your age, you will find yourself hearing what Georgia hears, seeing what she sees, feeling what she feels, experiencing her pain and delight. Highly recommended for all readers! Five stars.
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Will you enjoy this book? My sources say yes!
This clever middle grade novel is packed with magic: the magic of friendship, the magic of living in the moment, the magic of a toothless rescue dog, the magic of finding out who you are in the world, and the magic of using your strengths in service to others.This would be a perfect book to use as a "one school/one book" read, with tons of tie-ins to middle-grade math curriculums. I absolutely loved it!
