A Dog Named 647 by Nancy Kay

A heartwarming and heroic tale about fighting for what you believe in, A Dog Named 647 by Nancy Kay is an intensely emotive middle grade read with an inspiring crusader for animals at the helm.

While walking in the forest one day, Mia finds a malnourished golden retriever with a belly full of puppies, only to have the pooch snatched away by an angry man from a nearby kennel. Convinced that #647 is being mistreated, and overwhelmed by the immediate connection she feels for her furry friend, Mia enlists her friend Cassie to investigate the mystery of Pine Valley Puppies. Discovering that the adoption center is actually a cramped and cruel puppy mill, Mia recruits professional help to free the animals, but she also learns that her liberation campaign could have unintended consequences, both for her family and her future as a pet owner.

Alongside the emotional plot about animal rescue, Mia wrestles with feelings of abandonment from an absent father, struggles with self-esteem in school, and cross-cultural confusion with her Jewish best friend. These side stories not only deepen Mia’s character, but also offer strategies to help manage tough emotions. As the author is a veterinarian, there is both a reality and urgency to her message, which makes the book all the more powerful.

Exploring the weight of hard choices, the responsibilities of growing up, and selfless love for animals, this well-paced and unpredictable adventure is full of poignant lessons with an uplifting lead character who demonstrates her strength, empathy, and individuality at every turn.