Maxi's Secrets: (Or, What You Can Learn from a Dog)

Timminy is apprehensive about starting middle school in a new town, especially as the shortest kid and with his father as the assistant principal. To ease the transition, his parents allow him to get a dog. Enter Maxi, a large and lovable Great Pyrenees who happens to be deaf. As Timminy navigates the challenges of middle school, including bullying and making new friends, he learns invaluable life lessons from Maxi and their neighbor Abby, who is blind and refuses to let her disability define her. Through these 

Recommendation: This heartfelt, award-winning novel is recommended for readers aged 9–12 who appreciate stories about personal growth, overcoming adversity, and the special bond between humans and their pets. Lynn Plourde's narrative offers humor, wisdom, and a touching exploration of life's challenges.​

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade readers seeking stories about friendship and self-discovery​
• Educators and parents looking to discuss themes of bullying, disability, and empathy​
• Dog lovers and those who enjoy animal-human bond narratives​

Similar Reads:

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo​
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio​
• Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor​

Stylistic Features:

• First-person narrative providing an intimate view of Timminy's experiences​
• Each chapter concludes with a "secret," offering a life lesson learned through the events of the story​
• Blend of humor and poignancy that captures the complexities of growing up​

Content Warnings: The novel addresses themes of bullying, disability, and pet loss, which are handled sensitively but may require discussion for younger readers.​