Dogtown

Dogtown is a middle-grade novel about an animal shelter that houses both regular stray dogs and discarded robot dogs whose owners have grown tired of them. The story follows Chance, a real dog who ended up at the shelter after irresponsible dog-sitters abandoned her, as she forms an unlikely friendship with a robot dog nicknamed Metal Head while both search for their forever homes. Blending heart and humor, the book explores themes of belonging, found family, prejudice and overcoming resentment between different "kinds," and the pain and hope of waiting to be chosen. It's an uplifting, occasionally bittersweet adventure that celebrates kindness, loyalty, and friendship across differences.