“A heartfelt read filled with nuanced characters; recommended for those seeking a fast-paced adventure with a very human story.” — School Library Journal “A humorous, poignant, realistic debut story.” — Kirkus Reviews Vilonia is determined to prove she’s responsible enough to care for a dog in this “sensitive and uplifting coming-of-age” ( Publishers Weekly ) novel. Being responsible is NOT easy. Fourth grader Vilonia hasn’t lost her rain coat in the three weeks she’s had it and she’s brushed her teeth every night and she’s volunteered to be the Friday Library Helper. But all that hard work is worth it if it means she can get a dog. Besides, this dog isn’t just because Vilonia has wanted one for pretty much ever. It’s also to help Mama, who’s been lost in one, big sadness fog for forty-three days—ever since Nana died. But Vilonia read that pets can help with sadness. Now all she has to do is keep the library goldfish alive over spring break, stop bringing stray animals home, and help Mama not get fired from her job. And she’s got to do all of it before the Catfish Festival. Easy as pie, right? Tremendous voice, humor, and heart make this debut novel utterly lovable. "A humorous, poignant, realistic debut story about a very responsible little girl who's a 'force of nature.'" -- Kirkus Reviews This contemporary tale is full of humor. . . . A heartfelt read filled with nuanced characters; recommended for those seeking a fast-paced adventure with a very human story. -- School Library Journal This sweet, likeable character has an authentic voice that readers can relate to, especially outdoorsy, take charge kids. . . . The light and sweet tone used to approach a serious topic reminds me of how author Cynthia Lord handles weighty issues in a relatable and kid-friendly way. -- School Library Connection "Sensitive and uplifting." -- Publishers Weekly ― January 9, 2017 Fourth-grader Vilonia takes on more than she bargains for trying to prove she's responsible enough to adopt a dog.Freckle-faced white tomboy Vilonia has a "reputation for taking in destitute creatures" and wants a dog. When Vilonia's beloved Nana died a few weeks ago, her grieving mother withdrew in "one sad funk." With her father overloaded running the house, Vilonia has been secretly handling her mother's job writing obituaries for the local paper. A poster at the animal shelter convinces Vilonia a dog would be great therapy for her mother. When she hears about a litter of new puppies needing homes, Vilonia volunteers to take care of the school librarian's pet goldfish, Max, during semester break. If she can take care of Max for a week, surely her father will agree she's responsible enough for a dog. When Max dies unexpectedly (and inevitably), Vilonia must find a replacement goldfish quickly or lose her chances of adopting a puppy. Vilonia narrates her story with a colloquial Mississippi twang, punctuating self-effacing descriptions of her well-meaning but oft ill-fated actions with worry about her mother, desire for a dog, and longing for her grandmother. Textual references to Because of Winn Dixie resonate. A humorous, poignant, realistic debut story about a very responsible little girl who's a "force of nature." (Fiction. 8-12) -- Kirkus Reviews ― 1/15/17 Kristin L. Gray is the author of middle grade novels Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge , The Amelia Six , and Murder at Penguin Ranch . Kristin is also the author of two picture books: Koala Is Not a Bear , illustrated by Rachel McAlister, and Rover Throws a Party , illustrated by Scott Magoon. A fan of mysteries and science, she adores writing twisty, fact-filled books for curious kids. Gray lives in northwest Arkansas and hopes to return to Antarctica one day. For book research, of course. Find her online at KristinLGray.com. Vilonia Beebe Takes Charge Chapter One The day I was born I was four times smaller than the trophy largemouth bass hanging in my daddy’s shop. My entire hand fit on Dr. Lafferty’s thumbnail. Nobody, Mama included, had planned on me arriving three months early. But I did. At two pounds, two ounces, I was the size of a head of cauliflower (I hate cauliflower) and didn’t make a peep. Boy, have times changed. •  •  • I pulled the cap off my gel pen, crossed out another line in my journal, and smudged purple ink all across the page. Poodles. More permanent ink stains, or as I call it, “the curse of being a lefty.” But being left-handed could be pretty great. Lefties make better videogamers and multitaskers, adjust faster to seeing underwater, and have an advantage in many sports. Maybe that’s why lots of interesting people were lefties. Babe Ruth. Oprah Winfrey. Barack Obama. Me. So I wasn’t A-list famous, but I was the only lefty on my hometown’s ten-and-under softball team, the Howard County Crush. That had to count for something. I mean, I had played first base for three full seasons, and now Coach said I could try pitching. So what if