Dogs Don't Cry

Gold winner in Young Adult Fiction, 2025 Colorado Authors League Book Awards
Bronze Winner in Animal-Adult Fiction, 2025 Feathered Quill Book Awards
Bronze Winner in Animal/Pet Fiction, 2024 CIPA EVVY Book Awards
Distinguished Favorite in Military Fiction, 2025 NYC Big Book Awards
Finalist in Young Adult Fiction, 2024 International Book Awards
Finalist in Animal/Pet Fiction, 2024 International Book Awards
Finalist in Animal/Pet Fiction, 2024 National Indie Excellence Awards

Kirkus Reviews Verdict: GET IT
“… a powerful and entertaining read.” Blue Ink Reviews, Starred Review

A dog’s devotion, courage, and intelligence stand between two French teens and despair. Love and determination sustain the threesome as they flee the tidal wave of war. A story of hardship, peril, resilience, and hope.


Abby is the Durand family dog, a companion for fifteen-year-old Marcel and his sister, Geneviève. Marcel is plagued by doubts about his courage as he approaches military age. Geneviève has severe pneumonia and is convinced she will soon die. Evacuation is ordered as the German army barrels toward their home village. The doctor tending to Geneviève warns their mother that the rigors of evacuation will kill the young girl on the eve of her thirteenth birthday. Their mother waits until the last moment to leave their home in search of shelter.

A disastrous escape leaves them orphaned and alone.

Marcel and Geneviève must find a distant relative, Cousin Henri, who lives near Paris. However, they have never met him, are not sure of his last name, and don’t know his address. Abby is the key—Henri is her former owner, though she begs to differ on the “owner” concept. If anyone can find him, she can. The teens confront their worst fears while seeking refuge amid the chaos of war, armed only with their faith in Abby.