First published 2008
Todd McCray lives with his parents on their Kansas farm. When the local animal shelter asks for temporary foster families during Christmas week, Todd knows what he wants for the holidays. His father refuses at first. The family doesn't need another animal, especially not a dog. But Todd persists until his parents agree to foster one dog for the Christmas season. Todd names the dog Christmas and falls in love with his new companion. Then Todd thinks about all the other dogs still trapped in shelter cages during the holidays. He convinces his neighbors to join the Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program. One by one, families throughout his small Kansas town open their homes to shelter dogs. Todd's simple act of kindness spreads through the community and transforms both his family and his town during the Christmas season.
Genres: animals, christmas, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, heartwarming, intimate
Tropes: found-family, heartwarming
Setting: Kansas
Period: Christmas
148 pages · Hardcover · Convergent Books