When Friendship Followed Me Home
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016 · Est. 5.5 hour read

When Friendship Followed Me Home

By Paul Griffin

A foster kid's life changes after rescuing a dog and meeting a unique girl.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,113 ratings
272 pages· 48,571 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
$8.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Ben Coffin, a foster kid wary of friendships, finds his world shifting when he rescues a scruffy dog outside the library. This leads him to Halley, a vibrant girl who inspires him to co-write a novel. As their story unfolds, Ben faces unexpected challenges, forcing him to confront the true essence of friendship and belonging. Will Ben find where he truly belongs, or will his past fears hold him back? Discover the heartwarming journey of a boy, a dog, and the magic of new beginnings.

From the publisher

If you have middle schoolers who are too young to fully grasp John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars and love dogs, give them this sweet tearjerker. – School Library JournalIn this beguiling tearjerker, a foster kid’s luck slowly changes after he befriends a scruffy pup he finds outside the library.–People magazine Ben Coffin has never been one for making friends. As a former foster kid, he knows people can up and leave without so much as a goodbye. Ben prefers to spend his time with the characters in his favorite sci-fi books…until he rescues an abandoned mutt from the alley next-door to the Coney Island Library. Scruffy little Flip leads Ben to befriend a fellow book-lover named Halley–yes, like the comet–a girl unlike anyone he has ever met. Ben begins thinking of her as “Rainbow Girl” because of her crazy-colored clothes and her laugh, pure magic, the kind that makes you smile away the stormiest day. Rainbow Girl convinces Ben to write a novel with her. But as their story unfolds Ben’s life begins to unravel, and Ben must discover for himself the truth about friendship and the meaning of home.

At a glance
Format
Pages
272
Words
48,571
Reading age
10–13
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
590L
Themes & topics
Books about friendshipBooks about cancerBooks about deathBooks about dogsBooks about school
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Paul Griffin

Explore Paul's bookshelf
Saving Marty
Sale price
$899

Saving Marty

Ages 10–14 · 2017
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Brave Like That

Ages 9–12 · 2020

Hope in the Holler

Ages 10–+ · 2018

Bone Hollow

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Maybe He Just Likes You

Ages 9–13 · 2019
Squint
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$799

Squint

Ages 8–12 · 2018
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Sale price
$899

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Honest Truth

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A Dog Called Homeless

Ages 8–12 · 2012
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
4.1
F&P level
~O
AR points
7
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
182436
Publication
Published
July 18, 2017
First published
June 7, 2016
Publisher
Puffin Books
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780147510068

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Top contributors: Elaine R.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo