Joan Alden

I liked this novel a lot. Many of the echos of childhood, coming to self awareness, and coming out were agonizingly familiar. I reveled in the joy, pain, hope and growth that occurred as the young lady grew and challenged peoples beliefs. I envied her tenacity and sort of wished I had known her back in my owl childhood and adolescence. I recommend this to you whole heartedly.

Seven-year-old Will, an asthma sufferer and a target for bullies, finally gets the birhday wish of his dreams. He can't have a dog because of his asthma, so he gets a stuffed toy snuggly dog. Story is illustrated with photographs, and features two moms.