Originally published 1991

The summer before high school, Leigh and his friend Brian find an abandoned dog on the beach. They win Strider's trust, and decide to set up a joint custody arrangement. The adults in their lives are half-amused, half-doubtful, but the boys settle into a routine - and, because he has to run with Strider every day, Leigh ends up trying out for track when school starts.

Leigh lives with his mother in their shack/cottage, in fear that their landlady will raise their rent; Leigh's dad is a truck driver who isn't as dependable with visits (or child support payments) as Leigh and his mom wish. And all the adults in Leigh's life keep asking him what his plans are, which has to be the stupidest question ever to ask a fourteen-year-old, Leigh and his friends agree.

Cleary writes about all of this with straightforward clarity. (And I'm glad to report that the dog does not die!)

Quotes

"Don't forget, you're my kid, too."
I hadn't forgotten, but I often feel as if he has. (100)

Knowing I was wrong was making me act so angry. (112)

Problem solving...seems to be my life's work. Maybe it's everyone's life's work. (137) ( )

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