Maxi's Secrets: (Or, What You Can Learn from a Dog) - Paperback
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Maxi's Secrets: A Middle-Grade Novel About Friendship, Empathy, and Finding Your Voice
When Timminy moves to a new town just before middle school starts, he's already bracing himself for the worst. As perfect bully bait, he knows what's coming. But everything changes when his family adopts Maxi, a gentle giant of a dog who happens to be deaf. What begins as Timminy's mission to help his special-needs pet transforms into something far more powerful—Maxi becomes the one who helps him.
A Story That Resonates with Young Readers
This debut middle-grade novel from Lynn Plourde follows Timminy as he navigates the challenges of being the new kid while spending too much time getting shoved into lockers. Through his relationship with Maxi and his neighbor Abby—who refuses to let her blindness define her—Timminy discovers that everyone has more depth than what appears on the surface.
Abby bristles at Timminy's "poor-me" attitude, pushing him to see beyond his own struggles. Together with Maxi, they form an unlikely trio that proves how understanding, acceptance, and friendship can help anyone become a bigger, better person.
Perfect for Classroom Reading and Gift-Giving
Ideal for readers ages 9-12, this heartwarming story tackles important themes including bullying, disabilities, emotional growth, and empathy. Fans of Wonder and Because of Winn-Dixie will find familiar emotional resonance in this tale about a lovable dog who does things her own way and the pipsqueak boy whose heart she captures.
The paperback format makes it accessible for summer reading programs, classroom discussions, and as a meaningful gift for young readers who love animal stories with depth and heart.
Lynn Plourde brings her experience as a former speech-language therapist who worked in public schools for twenty-one years to this touching debut novel. Author of 29 picture books, she draws on her understanding of children and communication challenges to create authentic characters facing real struggles. Born and raised in Maine where she still lives, Lynn enjoys spending time outdoors snowshoeing, walking, kayaking, and gardening.
Maxi's Secrets offers young readers a story about discovering inner strength, learning from those who seem different, and understanding that being a runt—whether you're a boy or a dog—doesn't define your worth or potential.
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