From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6 Pete, a small 11-year-old, is an obsessive surfer who is feeling like a fish out of water. His family has recently moved from L.A. to the central coast of California, and both he and his mom are having trouble making new friends and getting into the swim of their new life until a talented black Lab paddles into their family. The surfer dog brings both of them so much enjoyment that Pete has to create a "Dog-ma Carta," splitting Blackie's time between him and his mom. When Grimsby, a cool, surfing lifeguard, begins coaching him, Pete believes that he has a chance to win major competitions. Unfortunately, his class work tanks, causing his parents to ground him. Since they are rarely home, he evades this punishment by sneaking out daily with Blackie to improve his skills. Of course, this trickery is discovered and life is at its blackest when Blackie's former owner, a famous surfer, reclaims him-for a time. The author has the current surfer language down in this laid-back story about a dog that ultimately won't be separated from a boy. -Marilyn Payne Phillips, University City Public Library, MO
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 3-6. Eleven-year-old Pete's parents don't want him to surf alone, but it's difficult for Pete to find a partner because he doesn't know anyone in his new coastal-California town. Blackie, a stray black lab, who rides the waves like a pro, changes everything, and Pete convinces his parents to let him keep the dog. Blackie attracts the notice of older surfers, who befriend and coach Pete, and Pete starts to settle into his new home. The story's tension revolves around Pete's struggle to balance his passion for surfing with schoolwork and the effort of adjusting to a new place, and there's more drama when Blackie's original owner appears. Spurr writes an involving story, filled with surfing details, that combines realistic characters and emotions with plenty of action. Middle-graders, particularly those who know the difficulties of moving, will spot themselves in Pete and will fall for irresistible Blackie just as Pete does.
Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
