A heartfelt companion novel to the critically acclaimed Chester
and Gus about inclusivity, autism, friendship, and family, perfect for fans
of Sara Pennypacker and Kate DiCamillo.

After being separated from his family, Franklin becomes an
independent cat, until he meets a goofy dog named Chester. Chester is a service
dog to his person, a boy named Gus, and Chester knows just the girl to be
Franklin’s person—Gus’s classmate, Amelia.

Amelia loves cats, but has a harder time with people.
Franklin understands her, though, and sees how much they have in common. When
Amelia gets into some trouble at school, Franklin wants to help the girl who’s
done so much to help him. He’s not sure how, yet, but he’s determined to
try.

This sweet and moving novel demonstrates how powerful the
bond between pets and people can be, while thoughtfully depicting a
neurodivergent tween’s experience.

“McGovern writes convincingly about characters trying to figure out how best to live with the complications of a disability, both the person whom it most affects and also those around him or her. She manages to keep Benny’s voice authentic and still draw a rich cast of minor characters. As she does for older teens in Say What You Will and A Step Toward Falling, she offers younger readers a compelling story filled with people they will care about. Benny’s voice deserves to be read aloud in a classroom.”