Gooseberry

Robin Gows Gooseberry is a middle-grade novel about a young nonbinary person searching for family and finding it with a rescue dog. The main character, B, wants to be a dog trainer and meets Gooseberry, a feisty stray dog. Training Gooseberry is not easy, but B learns to trust and accept themselves. The book is about finding family, finding hope, and accepting yourself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2024
Publisher: Abrams

Gooseberry, a middle-grade novel by Robin Gows, tells the captivating tale of a young nonbinary individual embarking on a quest to find familial connections and ultimately discovers it through the companionship of a lovable rescue dog. Twelve-year-old B grapples with numerous uncertainties, including the decision of what to call themselves after coming out as nonbinary and the longing for a sense of belonging after experiencing a series of foster placements. However, there is one unwavering aspiration in B's heart: they aspire to become a dog trainer when they grow up.

One fateful day, B's path crosses with Gooseberry, a feisty stray dog who shares a mutual distrust of strangers, mirroring B's own feelings. Instantly, a profound connection forms between them, offering B the possibility of fulfilling their dreams of having a family and a canine companion to train. Overjoyed by this newfound opportunity, B's foster parents agree to allow them to adopt Gooseberry.

However, B soon realizes that training Gooseberry is far more challenging than they had anticipated. The dog is anxious and reluctant to allow B to pet or train him. Will Gooseberry ever overcome his fears and develop a sense of comfort around B? And how can B teach Gooseberry to trust, when they themselves struggle with trust issues?

Gooseberry is a poignant and uplifting story penned by the acclaimed author of Dear Mothman. It explores the themes of family, hope, and self-acceptance, highlighting the profound impact of companionship and the transformative power of understanding and embracing one's true self. Through the journey of B and Gooseberry, readers are invited to reflect on the importance of connection, resilience, and the journey toward self-discovery.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 148 x 212 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419764424