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In a compelling story, movingly illustrated, the issue of animal abandonment is brought to life. Maggie, a pregnant lab mix, is left behind in her people's deserted house. Discovered by the realtor, Maggie is brought to the pound where her puppies are born. When Jeff, a fourth-grader, reads a newspaper story about Maggie's puppies being adopted while Maggie is not, he learns from his teacher that Maggie will be euthanized if no one adopts her. This knowledge galvanizes Jeff and his classmates to successfully plan and petition their town council to build an animal shelter. Maggie is given her second chance—taken to the new town shelter, where she is eventually adopted. Maggie's Second Chance is based on the true story of Texas fourth-graders who founded an animal shelter in their town. The final page offers factual comprehensive information on how to help abandoned dogs.
Nancy Furstinger, the author of nearly one hundred books, many about animals, is also an editor at two children's book publishing houses. She shares her home with three rescued dogs (including Jolly—the real Maggie) and six rescued house rabbits.
Joe Hyatt is the illustrator of Buddy Unchained, an award-winning picture book used in schools and libraries around the country. He has a career painting portraits of dogs that was inspired by the portrait he made of his yellow Labrador retriever, Nola. Hyatt lives in California with his three rescue dogs, Nola, Turtle, and Holiday.
School Library Journal
"This is a heartwarming story of a sweet black lab mix named Maggie who is left behind when her owners move away. Based on a true story of a group of fourth graders, this is an inspiring story of social justice, action, and agency. The text is accessible, and the illustrations of the animals are done in photorealistic detail."
Kirkus Reviews
"Based on a true story, this selection tells the story of an abandoned dog and how a group of children fought to build a shelter in order to save her. Realistic, detailed illustrations show Maggie with longing, sorrowful eyes that follow readers through the pages. A nice example of how empowered children can really make a difference, this earnest, heartfelt selection will inspire children to start their own efforts."
Joe Hyatt's portraits of dogs are in collections around the country. He and his wife have rescued dogs for the past serveral years.