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Strays

Brief Description
Campbell Cole has a big heart for all living things, especially strays. It might be because her father, the director of the local animal control, is as aloof as they come, so Campbell knows what it's like to feel alone. When she spots an adorable dog... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2000
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Releases 16th June 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Strays" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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A girl learns the true meaning of home after forming a life-changing relationship with a stray dog in this irresistibly endearing middle-grade novel, reminiscent of beloved and bestselling stories like Wish, Pax, and Because of Winn-Dixie.

A girl learns the true meaning of home after forming a life-changing relationship with a stray dog in this irresistibly endearing middle-grade novel, reminiscent of big-hearted and beloved stories like Wish, Pax, and Because of Winn-Dixie.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Campbell Cole has a big heart for all living things, especially strays. It might be because her father, the director of the local animal control, is as aloof as they come, so Campbell knows what it's like to feel alone.

When she spots an adorable dog being dumped on the street, the last thing Campbell can do is tell her dad. He might take the pup straight to the shelter, where new rescues have just three days to be adopted. Or else. The only person she can trust with the truth is her best friend, Luz.

The more time Campbell spends trying to catch the dog, the more he starts to trust her, which is both great and terrible because Campbell knows she can't keep him. But perhaps she doesn't have to. With the help of Luz's father, an army vet, she just may find a solution that benefits not only the dog, but everyone else too.

This beautifully written, heartfelt novel about friendship, family, and finding the courage to stand up for what's right will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find a place to call home.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780374395926

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 June 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Gia Gordon is a disabled author, youth activist, and thirty-year veteran educator who taught Spanish and ELD in northern California and helped establish the school's first conflict resolution program. She is a co-founder of the nonprofit Never Counted Out, which provides books to classrooms and community programs with limited access. Gia is also the author of the middle-grade novels My So-Called Family and Strays. Common themes in Gia's work include chosen and found family, hidden identities, and living one's truth. When she's not writing, Gia can be found thrifting or turning no-longer-wanted household goods into beautifully reimagined art. giagordonwrites.com

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