"Boelts has her story elements all right: worn urban setting, quick comic dialogue, well-developed characters and a good dose of suspense." —Kirkus Reviews
Russell and Shawn call themselves the PS Brothers: P is for poop, S is for scoop, and Brothers is because they're best friends. Scooping poop is the fastest way to earn money to buy a puppy. These two are crazy about dogs. And they're sure that once their puppy grows into a tough dog, no one will ever pick on them for being weak or poor again. Unfortunately, getting a puppy is not that easy. Russell and Shawn don't count on uncovering a dog-fighting ring—and that can bust apart a dream faster than a dog can sniff out a bone.
But doing the right thing might still get them what they want—and maybe even more.
"Part of the appeal of this book is its edginess. Shawn's and Russell's hardscrabble existences and their heartfelt yearning for a dog to defend them are compelling." —School Library Journal
"This is less of a dog story and more a lighthearted portrait of a strong friendship and a plucky kid who doesn't let tough circumstances get him down. Pair this with Lois Duncan's News for Dogs, which also features an entrepreneurial canine enterprise." —Booklist
"This is actually a genuinely touching look at a boy who doesn't believe that there's anybody of consequence on his side . . . a natural for reluctant readers." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books