Strider

This sequel to Beverly Cleary's beloved Newbery Medal-winning classic, Dear Mr. Henshaw, stars Strider, a dog who loves to run.

Can a stray dog change the life of a teenage boy? It looks as if Strider can.

He's a dog that loves to run; because of Strider, Leigh Botts finds himself running—well enough to join the school track team. Strider changes Leigh on the inside, too, as he finally begins to accept his parents' divorce and gets to know a redheaded girl he's been admiring.

With Strider's help, Leigh finds that the future he once hated to be asked about now holds something he never expected: hope.

Strider is a winning dog adventure for kids ages 6-12. It can be read alongside the beloved classic Dear Mr. Henshaw or on its own.

For Leigh Botts, one stray dog changes everything.

• A Classic Story of a Boy and His Dog: Leigh Botts is dealing with a lot, but when a stray dog named Strider enters his life, he finds a friend who teaches him how to run—and how to hope.
• Navigating Divorce and Family Struggles: This thoughtful story gently explores the reality of parents living apart and a father's financial hardship, making it a relatable read for kids facing similar situations.
• The Power of Friendship: From sharing "joint custody" of Strider with his best friend Barry to getting to know the redheaded girl he's admired from afar, Leigh learns he's not as alone as he thinks.
• From Running to the Track Team: Strider is a dog that loves to run, and soon Leigh is running, too—fast enough to join the school track team and discover a confidence he never knew he had.