Chester and Gus by Cammie McGovern
Realistic Fiction, Autism, Service Dogs
Age 10-12
Grade 5-7
249 pages
c. 2017
This is both an
inspiring and humorous middle grade novel about the remarkable bond that forms
between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend.
Chester has always wanted to become a service dog. When he fails his
certification test, though, it seems like that dream will never come true—until
a family adopts him. They want him to be a companion for their ten-year-old
son, Gus, who has autism. But Gus acts so differently than anyone Chester has
ever met. He never wants to pet Chester, and sometimes he doesn’t even want
Chester in the room. Chester’s not sure how to help Gus since this isn’t
exactly the job he trained for—but he’s determined to figure it out., because
after all, Gus is now his person.
An inspiring,
sad, funny story told from the dog’s perspective. Also a realistic picture of
autism and the challenges and rewards it presents in a family. As Chester says,
“you meet
your person and you connect. You know that you’re meant to be together. Then
you learn what that person needs and you do it for them. I can’t imagine
anything else quite so fulfilling.”
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