Champ Hobarth

Marty Hobarth feels as if he was born into the wrong family. His dad runs marathons; his mom just graduated from college; his sister is gifted and talented (and she knows it). Marty can't even make the town diving team. He's a zero. An absolute zilch.

Then a big, smelly, friendly stray puppy enters Marty's life, and he doesn't feel like such a loser anymore. Marty's new friend, Leanne, says that Champ is headed for the town animal jail--maybe worse--unless Marty comes to his rescue. Saving Champ means lying to his dad and pretending he's Leanne's brother so he can volunteer at the shelter. But Marty believes it's time for him to follow his heart, even if it's the hardest thing he's ever done.

Judith Bernie Strommen writes with insight and humor about families, self-expression, and the overwhelming need to belong.