Glory Be by Jamie Sumner

Glory is nine, and life is not simple for her. She struggles with her hot temper and sassy mouth at school, getting herself into trouble more often than one should. When her beloved dog, Roux, goes missing, Glory cuts school to try to find him. Her mom has to take time from work, although she hates her job, so there’s that. Glory’s dad isn’t around much, and when he is around, he has just gotten a new job or just lost one due to his drinking, or he’s gambled all the family’s money away. Glory takes chances, going to dangerous places and meeting some sketchy people while trying to find Roux.

Author Jamie Sumner has written a very compelling, complex story with plenty of family drama, friend drama, and non-stop problems for young Glory. The story is written in verse and has spot illustrations throughout, which will be attractive for young readers, and will likely draw in reluctant readers with all that white space. With such a young protagonist, many may think this is for very young middle-graders, but the subject matter is better suited for older middle-graders.