Buck n the Boy is a deeply affecting story of forming lasting friendships beyond first impressions, overcoming loss and hardship with the support of one’s trusted companions, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The tenderness at the heart of this story will leave you teary-eyed but with a smile on your face.Buck & the Boy” by Marco McDewey was delightful and endearing. The title is slightly misleading until you read the book. Then it makes sense. Imagine a Christian family, the youngest boy, Dustin, being raised in a loving home. He has no ill-will toward anyone and encounters a stray dog that he later befriends. His life changes upon this encounter and makes a bond that changes forever for two boys.

Buck and The Boy was written as Middle Grade;however, this charming book was for any age reader
Dustin’s introduction to Buck was over a trash can and a stew bone.
As a dog lover, I’ve always said “Every dog needs a kid”. Is this the first affection Buck felt?
Buck had been Dustin’s companion, he waited at the playground
Dustin made Buck his friend, they participated many outdoor activities; however, Dustin was concerned that Buch could be in danger
This was a sweet story, which would appeal to any age reader and the characters held my interests.Than

This is a sweet and morally powerful book about the importance of friendship and offering support to those who need it. I really liked the overall message of this book and would recommend it.

Buck And The Boy is a short story by American author, Marco Mcdewey. It’s when Dustin, nearly thirteen years old, is doing his after-school chores that he first encounters the skinny, mangy dog scavenging the trash cans for food. He throws it a bone and doesn’t expect to see it again after it runs off.

But he does see the dog again, and each time he feeds it part of his school lunch, gradually winning the creature’s trust. He names it Buck, and discovers where the dog hides out. During an encounter with a trio of bullies, the dog defends its benefactor. One of the boys comes off rather badly, and Dustin feels sorry for him.

Dustin is the youngest of four boys, with one blood sibling and two step-siblings, he’s diligent, well-mannered and hard-working, and his behaviour repeatedly proves his good intentions. He really would like to adopt Buck, but he doesn’t think his parents will agree. But by his kindness to others, he ends up having the dog by proxy.

Dustin extends the hand of friendship to the boy, Chris, and learns that his home is not the loving Christian one that Dustin enjoys. He seeks advice from his parents and a kind, wise neighbour, and acts with genuine charity.

In his thoughts, intentions and behaviour, Dustin is reminiscent of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s protagonists, but the story is not quite as well told. In the final pages, the author inexplicably abandons quote marks for speech, and capitalising “I”. The story begins with much promise, but the follow-through is a little contrived and thus disappointing. Perhaps the intent is a little too ambitious for this short format.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Paper True Ltd.

Heartwarming book about kindness and caring when we see Dustin feed a stray dog that he keeps seeing rummaging through trash cans. As he and dog become close, he knows from his Christian values that it’s our job to make the world a better place for everyone. When Dustin finds out his new friend Chris doesn’t have a very good home life, he shows he cares by doing something that will surprise you and make you smile and as Dustin has learned “ take the time to do something nice for someone without asking for anything in return.” If all did this the world would be a better place.