A Dog Steals Home

Nothing in Zach Stewart's life has ever been as complicated as the sixth grade. Between preparing for the arrival of his new baby brother (otherwise known as "the little lizard") and keeping up with the baseball team, Zach is being pulled in more directions than he can handle. The only thing he really wants is to adopt a new puppy, but his parents keep insisting that the timing just isn't right. To Zach, it's looking more and more like this new baby is going to bring nothing but trouble.

That's why Zach decides to do his final research project on the community animal shelter. If he proves how responsible he is with animals, there's no way his parents will keep him from getting a puppy. Zach is certain that he'll not only get the dog he wants but also prove to his baseball team that he's the best choice for first pitcher.

Everything seems to be going perfectly—until something happens that Zach could never have predicted. Audrey, a girl in his class with a tragic and secret past, suddenly disappears from her home without a trace. Zach knows he is the only one who can find Audrey and convince her to come home. He might have to put his new puppy and his baseball career on the line—but he might just learn something along the way.