Saving Marty

‘Paul Griffin is the sort of writer you’re torn between telling the whole world about and keeping all to yourself.’ Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief 

Lorenzo would do anything and everything to save his best friend. But will everything be enough?

Eleven-year-old Lorenzo thinks he’s kind of ordinary. Not brave like his father, who died in the war, or an amazing musician, like his best friend, Paloma. But Renzo finally gets the chance to do something heroic when he adopts a runt piglet named Marty.

Marty is something special—he thinks he’s a dog and acts like one too—and the bond he forms with Renzo is truly one of a kind. When he’s grown, though, Marty is huge—and he still loves to run and jump on people the way a puppy does. After Marty causes a dangerous accident, Renzo’s mother says he has to go. Will Renzo be able to save Marty?

An unforgettable story about the power of friendship…and the unsung heroes all around us.

Paul Griffin is the award-winning author of several young adult novels, including Ten Mile River, Burning Blue and Adrift. When Friendship Followed Me Home, published by Text in 2016, was his first book for younger readers. He lives, trains dogs and writes in New York City. 

‘Saving Marty is a gentle read about coping with horrendous news, surviving against the odds, and love in all its forms. It’s a keeper.’ Kids Book Review

‘Warm, sweet, funny and heart-warming…A unique story; fresh and contemporary, it will bring a lump to your throat but you’ll finish it with a smile.’ Magpies 

‘Griffin gracefully answers and solves mysteries, leaving us with hope and a smile without making things falsely shiny and bright.’  New York Times on When Friendship Followed Me Home

‘Entrancing, magical, tragic, and uplifting.’ Kirkus Reviews (starred review) on When Friendship Followed Me Home

‘This story convinced me all over again that love and imagination are life’s biggest magic.’ Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach Me, on When Friendship Followed Me Home