Underdog City
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
From the acclaimed author of The Last Super Chef and Dan Unmasked comes a heartfelt standalone novel about community, justice, and redemption, perfect for fans of Take Back the Block and Brave Like That.
Mortimer Bray is not okay.
It seems like everything in his life is changing for the worse. After his own much-loved dog dies, he can’t bring himself to carry on with his dog-walking business; there’s a strange new girl who’s moved into the house next door; and suddenly there’s a buzzing feeling of anxiety in his head and heart when he’s faced with something new.
His neighborhood, Townsend Heights, used to feel like the most comfortable place in the world. But lately, it seems like everyone is arguing, and there’s uncertainty around every corner.
The neighborhood's only vacant lot is somehow behind it all, Mortimer is sure of that much. If he can unearth the lot's secret history, he just might stop the Heights from unraveling completely.
Mortimer can’t save Townsend Heights on his own. But when it comes to community, you’re never truly on your own—not as long as you’re willing to learn from the past, in order to do better in the future.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Nothing in 12-year-old white-cued Mortimer Bray's beloved home of Townsend Heights has felt the same since elderly Mrs. Opal—the community council president and Mortimer's good friend—moved away and passed the title on to Mortimer's mother. Even worse, though, was the death of his pup following an incident while on their regular walk. Now, Mortimer is too anxious to continue with the dog-walking business he founded with his best friend, and he hasn't spoken to Mrs. Opal in a long time. A Puerto Rican family moving into the house next door with their pet rooster, who crows loudly every morning at 5 a.m., further upends life in Townsend, as does the knowledge that the history behind a nearby vacant lot is spreading apprehension throughout the community. Things begin looking up for Mortimer when he persuades Will, the visiting granddaughter of his new neighbors, to help him investigate the property, but overheard, racially charged conversations about her family sow tension around town. Mortimer's anxiety is powerfully portrayed and realistically permeates every aspect of his life. Kind community members, both human and dog, help him manage his constantly racing thoughts and support him during his grieving process in this discerning celebration of connection and healing. Ages 8–12.
