Book Review: Max's Story (Little Dog in the Big City)

Max's Story (Little Dog in the Big City), A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale, by W. Bruce Cameron (Scholastic, 192pp PB, 2021, $8.99, ages 8-12, grades 4-6) Review by Skye Anderson

A New York Dog with a New York Personality and a New York State of Mind

Born in a New York City animal shelter, little Max learned early to have a big personality and to show others he was the boss - or try to. He lived with CJ (yes, that CJ from Molly's Story who was studying art in the big city for the summer on a scholarship). But she wasn't happy.

And Max also lived with a - cat! Who kept breaking all the rules of canine communication. A cat named Sneakers for always trying to sneak out the door into the hallway of the apartment building.

We just love Max getting used to New York - the subway in particular because he had to take the subway stashed in CJ's backpack. Rules, you know.

But Max is just a puppy and not completely housetrained so he has been given one week to move out of the apartment which belongs to a friend of CJ's mother (remember, the negligent mom). And CJ is not doing so well in art school.

"Will CJ be able to find Max a new home before we get to the end of the book?" I asked myself. "Here we are, chapter 12 already and there are only 16 chapters. . . .  "

Best for big city readers or those who like little dogs!

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"She [CJ] handed out her papers and stuck a few on the trees with brightly colored little tacks. It  was odd how humans - even CJ - seemed to like papers so much, even more than balls or  sticks. But that's just the way they are. Maybe one day they'll learn more about how to have fun." p150

"CJ delivered Duke to his apartment and talked to the owner there for a  while. Then we both went back home. She collapsed on the couch, holding me tightly, until I squirmed in her arms to remind her that snuggling was all very well and good, but I needed to breathe as well." p158