Chester and Gus
Acceptable. Age: 9+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
A tender story told by a dog who learns to love a boy who cannot speak. It teaches patience and shows that a child with autism has a full inner life worth knowing. The author has an autistic son, and it shows. The reservations: the boy and dog talk by telepathy, and much of the content is unverified.
For parents
Read it aloud from 7, and a child can read it alone from about 9. Kirkus says 9 to 13. There is bullying and a frightening seizure. Ask how Chester learns what Gus needs without words. Ask how we can be a friend to a classmate who is different. Ask why Gus's mother chose to tell the school the truth.