Dianna Dorisi Winget

This is a simple, straightforward middle grade book about Poppy, whose only family is her grandmother; a grandmother who has a stroke and can no longer care for Poppy - at least temporarily. But when Poppy witnesses a heinous crime, for her own safety she is taken in by a police detective and his mother until the criminal is caught. The girl finds some solace with a mildly rebellious new friend, and a dog at an animal shelter. (The cover of the book would lead one to believe the dog is a major part of the story - but he's really just an interesting side-tale, with minimal relevance to the main plot.) Though the book had a simple plot, Poppy was a well drawn character I cared about, and I did shed a few tears towards the end of the book.… (meer)