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Gooseberry
Robin Gow’s Gooseberry is a moving middle-grade novel about a young nonbinary person searching for family and finding it with a sweet rescue dog.
B has lived with so many different foster families and youth programs that they have to invent nicknames for them to keep track. Their parents died in a car accident when they were four, and they’ve been moved around ever since. And even though some foster families don’t really get B or why they haven’t picked a new name yet (though B has been grappling with that for a while), B tries their best to stay positive. They try to keep a list of names that might fit, and they dream of being able to live in a home where they could adopt a dog and teach him all sorts of tricks. So when they meet Gooseberry, they know they have to adopt him and give him a loving home.
But training a dog isn’t as easy as B first suspected. Gooseberry is anxious and barely even wants to let B pet him. But the queer couple B is staying with, Eri and Jodie, help them to adopt Gooseberry and start training him. Even when Gooseberry snaps and growls, B doesn’t give up. But is this new home enough to change things for good for B and Gooseberry?
Moving, heartwarming, and full of hope, Gooseberry is a friendship story classic in the making!
B has lived with so many different foster families and youth programs that they have to invent nicknames for them to keep track. Their parents died in a car accident when they were four, and they’ve been moved around ever since. And even though some foster families don’t really get B or why they haven’t picked a new name yet (though B has been grappling with that for a while), B tries their best to stay positive. They try to keep a list of names that might fit, and they dream of being able to live in a home where they could adopt a dog and teach him all sorts of tricks. So when they meet Gooseberry, they know they have to adopt him and give him a loving home.
But training a dog isn’t as easy as B first suspected. Gooseberry is anxious and barely even wants to let B pet him. But the queer couple B is staying with, Eri and Jodie, help them to adopt Gooseberry and start training him. Even when Gooseberry snaps and growls, B doesn’t give up. But is this new home enough to change things for good for B and Gooseberry?
Moving, heartwarming, and full of hope, Gooseberry is a friendship story classic in the making!
312 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
30 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Robin Gow
19 books219 followersGow grew up in rural Pennsylvania and lives in Allentown Pennsylvania with their two pugs, Eddie and Gertie and their queer family. He works at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center coordinating supportive services for the local LGBTQIA+ community.
Awarded the Jerry Cain and Scott James Creative Writing Fellow, Gow earned their MFA in Creative Writing from Adelphi University where they also taught writing courses as an adjunct professor.
Gow runs the trans & queer reading series Gender Reveal Party and co-edits the new magazine The Comments Section.
Robin is the author of the chapbook Honeysuckle by Finishing Line Press and the collection Our Lady of Perpetual Degeneracy by Tolsun Books.
Their first YA novel in verse, A Million Quiet Revolutions, is forthcoming March 2022 with FSG Books for Young readers and their first essay collection, Blue Blood, is forthcoming with Nasiona Publishing House.
They is a managing editor The Nasiona and the assistant editor at large at Doubleback Books. They served for four years as the production editor of the Lantern literary magazine and are Social Media Coordinator for Oyster River Pages. They has also worked to help produce several zines and taught creative writing workshops in a variety of community spaces, including online forms.
They are an out and proud autistic bisexual genderqueer man passionate about LGBTQIAA+ issues.
Awarded the Jerry Cain and Scott James Creative Writing Fellow, Gow earned their MFA in Creative Writing from Adelphi University where they also taught writing courses as an adjunct professor.
Gow runs the trans & queer reading series Gender Reveal Party and co-edits the new magazine The Comments Section.
Robin is the author of the chapbook Honeysuckle by Finishing Line Press and the collection Our Lady of Perpetual Degeneracy by Tolsun Books.
Their first YA novel in verse, A Million Quiet Revolutions, is forthcoming March 2022 with FSG Books for Young readers and their first essay collection, Blue Blood, is forthcoming with Nasiona Publishing House.
They is a managing editor The Nasiona and the assistant editor at large at Doubleback Books. They served for four years as the production editor of the Lantern literary magazine and are Social Media Coordinator for Oyster River Pages. They has also worked to help produce several zines and taught creative writing workshops in a variety of community spaces, including online forms.
They are an out and proud autistic bisexual genderqueer man passionate about LGBTQIAA+ issues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 14, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“B only recently joined our family. We want them to feel like they’re being welcomed, and this dog means a lot to them.
I think the dog helps them connect their past experiences to the present, you know? I know it might be hard, but I just want to have a chance.”
It pains me to say that for a cover so absolutely precious and pretty in purple, I couldn't bring myself to find Gooseberry a very heart-warming read. I appreciate that the author notes in their dedication that 'this is for all the queer and trans youths everywhere - you deserve to be seen and celebrated', but when the writing is so fixated on only approaching their issues and painting everyone who does not fall under that label as dismissive, callous, and judgmental, doesn't that make it harder for other readers to empathize and alter their views? Rather than making it approachable, it rather comes off as secluded and reclusive - not even wanting anyone to be allowed to be a part of that bubble? 🥺
B has had a very rough life; orphaned since they were five, moving constantly from foster home to foster home, never quite feeling that people understand what their thoughts or emotions are, never quite staying long enough at a stable environment, one which they could call home with people, they could call family. And when they find Gooseberry, a dog that mirrors their own feelings - hurt and abandoned and misunderstood, they will do whatever it takes to make them feel like they belong - that together they can finally find a place where they can be accepted and loved, as they are. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I was just really startled and scared. I think that’s exactly what Gooseberry is doing. He doesn’t know who to trust. He’s scared so he’s attacking everyone.”
I liked how passionate B was about taking care of Gooseberry - how they were so adamant about training him, wanting him to feel like he is safe and secure around them and doesn't ever have to feel again that he's unwanted - despite his bad temperament. 'It’s not just that I like him, it’s that I really understand him. When he barks and gets all scared that’s exactly how I feel when I’m in new places.'I liked how the writing showed that their experiences mirrored each other; how at the same B was struggling to find their voice at school and avoid being a target of constant bullying, so too, was Gooseberry fighting hard to feel comforted and secure in their presence. Yet, at the same time, B's personality left much to be desired, at times. 😮💨
I did have an inkling about why their character was written like this, which the ending proved my suspicions were correct at the end, but regardless of that, B was pushing too hard to assert themselves in the right. Even when they were emotional or frustrated with their shortcomings, it was still quite hard for me to empathize with their feelings. 'And it’s not that easy. My brain is mean to me like all the time. I guess I just mean I get sad a lot and upset and anxious. It's not that they were a bad character, and I know that they're only eleven-years-old, but there were moments where I thought they were a bit too pushy with their demands, which I felt was a bit unfair at how accommodating they were to their every notion - how very forgiving they were of their decisions and choices. It just felt wrong and a bit too much; I know their foster parents knew how much they've been through and wanted to help them feel wanted, but, it just wasn't depicted in an approving manner, for me. 😥
“I think this is so great and then this is terrible and then this is scary and then what if even though they’re queer … we still don’t work out.”
Another thing that bothered me was the representation; I understand that people's mindsets are still not accepting or forthcoming to inclusivity - trans or queer or nonbinary. But, the constant references to it, the apparent need to point out that people are closed-minded and unwilling to change got a bit tiresome. As a Middle Grade book, I don't quite know which target audiences will be able to understand or even appreciate the story, if this reminder is constantly being thrown in their faces. 😟 I am glad B was so comfortable with themselves and wanted to be acknowledged as how they see themselves as non-binary, but the writing just didn't resonate with me. It was too forceful in showcasing how different others are, when I feel, it shouldn't be drawn to attention like that. It just left me feeling exhausted and frustrated about everything that was taking place. 😣
The author wrote the story as if it was speaking directly to the audience, making the voice more child-like; oftentimes that doesn't seem to be an issue for me, but here it was a bit problematic. B already had so many conflicting thoughts upon themselves, I would have liked the writing to have been a little more smoother, so I could appreciate the growth with both B and Gooseberry. Because it was there! It was heart-warming to see, their friendship and connection developed very nicely, and I liked how determined, if not fixated B was on training Gooseberry. ' Why can’t I just get a break? I wish I could take off from school forever and just become a dog training master.' I am glad that B found their secure place at the end! But, these little niggles weighed on me heavily - it made me harder to care about the challenges B was facing and for them to rise above them. 🤷🏻♀️
Friendship and bullying play an important part of the story. B's circle of friends was one that greatly understood them and forgave them for their shortcomings. There was a genuine feeling of camaraderie and respect amongst all of them and B felt so very nurtured and comforted around them. 🫶🏻 The bullies were equally adverse in their attacks - verbally and physically - painful and hardcore. I did like the few moments between B and their tormentor, but I didn't quite get any closure from their interactions; it felt unresolved and left me with the feeling that despite their open-hearted conversation, it doesn't necessarily mean that all is forgiven. And I would have liked that. I would have liked to have enjoyed it more, especially since I'm always fond of Middle Grade books; but this one, sadly, even with its adorably cute cover, didn't quite live up to my expectations. 😔
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“B only recently joined our family. We want them to feel like they’re being welcomed, and this dog means a lot to them.
I think the dog helps them connect their past experiences to the present, you know? I know it might be hard, but I just want to have a chance.”
It pains me to say that for a cover so absolutely precious and pretty in purple, I couldn't bring myself to find Gooseberry a very heart-warming read. I appreciate that the author notes in their dedication that 'this is for all the queer and trans youths everywhere - you deserve to be seen and celebrated', but when the writing is so fixated on only approaching their issues and painting everyone who does not fall under that label as dismissive, callous, and judgmental, doesn't that make it harder for other readers to empathize and alter their views? Rather than making it approachable, it rather comes off as secluded and reclusive - not even wanting anyone to be allowed to be a part of that bubble? 🥺
B has had a very rough life; orphaned since they were five, moving constantly from foster home to foster home, never quite feeling that people understand what their thoughts or emotions are, never quite staying long enough at a stable environment, one which they could call home with people, they could call family. And when they find Gooseberry, a dog that mirrors their own feelings - hurt and abandoned and misunderstood, they will do whatever it takes to make them feel like they belong - that together they can finally find a place where they can be accepted and loved, as they are. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I was just really startled and scared. I think that’s exactly what Gooseberry is doing. He doesn’t know who to trust. He’s scared so he’s attacking everyone.”
I liked how passionate B was about taking care of Gooseberry - how they were so adamant about training him, wanting him to feel like he is safe and secure around them and doesn't ever have to feel again that he's unwanted - despite his bad temperament. 'It’s not just that I like him, it’s that I really understand him. When he barks and gets all scared that’s exactly how I feel when I’m in new places.'I liked how the writing showed that their experiences mirrored each other; how at the same B was struggling to find their voice at school and avoid being a target of constant bullying, so too, was Gooseberry fighting hard to feel comforted and secure in their presence. Yet, at the same time, B's personality left much to be desired, at times. 😮💨
I did have an inkling about why their character was written like this, which the ending proved my suspicions were correct at the end, but regardless of that, B was pushing too hard to assert themselves in the right. Even when they were emotional or frustrated with their shortcomings, it was still quite hard for me to empathize with their feelings. 'And it’s not that easy. My brain is mean to me like all the time. I guess I just mean I get sad a lot and upset and anxious. It's not that they were a bad character, and I know that they're only eleven-years-old, but there were moments where I thought they were a bit too pushy with their demands, which I felt was a bit unfair at how accommodating they were to their every notion - how very forgiving they were of their decisions and choices. It just felt wrong and a bit too much; I know their foster parents knew how much they've been through and wanted to help them feel wanted, but, it just wasn't depicted in an approving manner, for me. 😥
“I think this is so great and then this is terrible and then this is scary and then what if even though they’re queer … we still don’t work out.”
Another thing that bothered me was the representation; I understand that people's mindsets are still not accepting or forthcoming to inclusivity - trans or queer or nonbinary. But, the constant references to it, the apparent need to point out that people are closed-minded and unwilling to change got a bit tiresome. As a Middle Grade book, I don't quite know which target audiences will be able to understand or even appreciate the story, if this reminder is constantly being thrown in their faces. 😟 I am glad B was so comfortable with themselves and wanted to be acknowledged as how they see themselves as non-binary, but the writing just didn't resonate with me. It was too forceful in showcasing how different others are, when I feel, it shouldn't be drawn to attention like that. It just left me feeling exhausted and frustrated about everything that was taking place. 😣
The author wrote the story as if it was speaking directly to the audience, making the voice more child-like; oftentimes that doesn't seem to be an issue for me, but here it was a bit problematic. B already had so many conflicting thoughts upon themselves, I would have liked the writing to have been a little more smoother, so I could appreciate the growth with both B and Gooseberry. Because it was there! It was heart-warming to see, their friendship and connection developed very nicely, and I liked how determined, if not fixated B was on training Gooseberry. ' Why can’t I just get a break? I wish I could take off from school forever and just become a dog training master.' I am glad that B found their secure place at the end! But, these little niggles weighed on me heavily - it made me harder to care about the challenges B was facing and for them to rise above them. 🤷🏻♀️
Friendship and bullying play an important part of the story. B's circle of friends was one that greatly understood them and forgave them for their shortcomings. There was a genuine feeling of camaraderie and respect amongst all of them and B felt so very nurtured and comforted around them. 🫶🏻 The bullies were equally adverse in their attacks - verbally and physically - painful and hardcore. I did like the few moments between B and their tormentor, but I didn't quite get any closure from their interactions; it felt unresolved and left me with the feeling that despite their open-hearted conversation, it doesn't necessarily mean that all is forgiven. And I would have liked that. I would have liked to have enjoyed it more, especially since I'm always fond of Middle Grade books; but this one, sadly, even with its adorably cute cover, didn't quite live up to my expectations. 😔
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2024
Based on the synopsis, I was so freaking excited for this book.
But.... as someone who is heavily involved with animal rescues and is an owner of two reactive dogs... the whole Gooseberry plot line made me VERY uncomfortable on so many levels. For one, it's completely unrealistic that a rescue would bring out a dog they know is fearful and reactive so a random kid can see him... I also don't buy that a foster family would agree to adopt a dog for a foster kid they've had for less than 24-hours... and that a rescue would let them walk out with a reactive dog after talking to them for a few minutes. Then we have B completely ignoring Gooseberry's body language because THEY know what's better for the dog than the dog does. Honestly, they're lucky they didn't get bit because Gooseberry was giving enough cues about his anxiety levels and doing everything he could to tell B to back off and B kept pushing. I get that most of the whole "I'm going to train Gooseberry to be a therapy dog in a month" and how unrealistic the timeframe was can be chalked up to B just being a kid... but still this poor dog! I hope that no kid reading this book thinks they can do the same thing with a dog like Gooseberry because it will end poorly. This is not a cute story about a struggling kid and a dog that needs a chance finding each other and discovering happiness. This is a story where almost every interaction with Gooseberry is dangerous because of how untrained the humans handling the dog are.
I also struggled with B's actions throughout most of the novel... y'all this is a stressful read with how angsty it is. B is clearly coded as a kid that's undiagnosed and on the spectrum... and this is somewhat resolved in the end of the book, but it did not make for a fun reading experience. This might not be as much of an issue for a tween, but as an adult I strongly disliked how B treated most of the people around them all the time.
There was a lot of potential for this to be a sweet and powerful story, but I couldn't get past the misses with the Gooseberry plot line.
Krystal Hammond does a good job with the audiobook narration though listening to this book ramps up the angst level so I think B's character would have been easier to deal with if I had read a physical copy instead.
Advanced Reader’s Copies (I ended up with an egalley and the audiobook) that were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook is from Spotify Audiobooks and the egalley is from ABRAMS Kids/Amulet Books.
But.... as someone who is heavily involved with animal rescues and is an owner of two reactive dogs... the whole Gooseberry plot line made me VERY uncomfortable on so many levels. For one, it's completely unrealistic that a rescue would bring out a dog they know is fearful and reactive so a random kid can see him... I also don't buy that a foster family would agree to adopt a dog for a foster kid they've had for less than 24-hours... and that a rescue would let them walk out with a reactive dog after talking to them for a few minutes. Then we have B completely ignoring Gooseberry's body language because THEY know what's better for the dog than the dog does. Honestly, they're lucky they didn't get bit because Gooseberry was giving enough cues about his anxiety levels and doing everything he could to tell B to back off and B kept pushing. I get that most of the whole "I'm going to train Gooseberry to be a therapy dog in a month" and how unrealistic the timeframe was can be chalked up to B just being a kid... but still this poor dog! I hope that no kid reading this book thinks they can do the same thing with a dog like Gooseberry because it will end poorly. This is not a cute story about a struggling kid and a dog that needs a chance finding each other and discovering happiness. This is a story where almost every interaction with Gooseberry is dangerous because of how untrained the humans handling the dog are.
I also struggled with B's actions throughout most of the novel... y'all this is a stressful read with how angsty it is. B is clearly coded as a kid that's undiagnosed and on the spectrum... and this is somewhat resolved in the end of the book, but it did not make for a fun reading experience. This might not be as much of an issue for a tween, but as an adult I strongly disliked how B treated most of the people around them all the time.
There was a lot of potential for this to be a sweet and powerful story, but I couldn't get past the misses with the Gooseberry plot line.
Krystal Hammond does a good job with the audiobook narration though listening to this book ramps up the angst level so I think B's character would have been easier to deal with if I had read a physical copy instead.
Advanced Reader’s Copies (I ended up with an egalley and the audiobook) that were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook is from Spotify Audiobooks and the egalley is from ABRAMS Kids/Amulet Books.
June 18, 2024
I received an ARC of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***.
Gooseberry is a heartfelt story about a young nonbinary trans person trying to navigate the world around them.
B has been from foster home to foster home since being left orphaned at age four and feels misunderstood and always on the edge of things. When B attends a local event with a foster family and sees Gooseberry (a shelter dog looking for a home), B instantly connects to him. B thinks they're the perfect match; after all, they're both looking for a permanent home and stability. But Gooseberry isn't just any old dog. He's been abused and neglected and is very cautious around humans. B moves on from this foster family to a new one with two mums, and B starts to settle in and feel less misunderstood. One of her new mums is trans too but B doesn't feel comfortable or confident in discussing this with them yet. B manages to convince them to let her get Gooseberry from the shelter and is determined to train him as a service dog. As the four of them start to become more of a family, B also deals with problems in school with bullying and teachers and worries more and more about choosing a name for themselves as B is just a temporary name until one sounds right and fits.
This was a great book to understand more of what trans, nonbinary and LGBTQ people face, deal with, and feel on a daily basis and especially from a child's perspective and the narrator did a great job with the story and was easy to listen to.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***.
Gooseberry is a heartfelt story about a young nonbinary trans person trying to navigate the world around them.
B has been from foster home to foster home since being left orphaned at age four and feels misunderstood and always on the edge of things. When B attends a local event with a foster family and sees Gooseberry (a shelter dog looking for a home), B instantly connects to him. B thinks they're the perfect match; after all, they're both looking for a permanent home and stability. But Gooseberry isn't just any old dog. He's been abused and neglected and is very cautious around humans. B moves on from this foster family to a new one with two mums, and B starts to settle in and feel less misunderstood. One of her new mums is trans too but B doesn't feel comfortable or confident in discussing this with them yet. B manages to convince them to let her get Gooseberry from the shelter and is determined to train him as a service dog. As the four of them start to become more of a family, B also deals with problems in school with bullying and teachers and worries more and more about choosing a name for themselves as B is just a temporary name until one sounds right and fits.
This was a great book to understand more of what trans, nonbinary and LGBTQ people face, deal with, and feel on a daily basis and especially from a child's perspective and the narrator did a great job with the story and was easy to listen to.
May 21, 2024
Tragically, this is my least favorite of this author's books. I think my biggest issues with this are similar to what other people have and that it is just completely unrealistic representation for a reactive dog and the training. I feel like this book could have been redeemed had there been extensive explanations from the adults to be about what training a therapy dog actually entails as well as giving them the respect and dignity they deserve as a person to explain to them that their desire to train a therapy dog is not realistic for their current circumstances.
This entire book is about B who is a foster kid who is non-binary and very clearly autistic but undiagnosed. They really want to be a therapy dog trainer when they grow up and they get really attached to this dog named gooseberry who they meet at a county fair situation. B ends up with new foster parents who are queer and essentially acts out until they adopt this dog. The problem is that gooseberry has had a traumatic history and is very reactive. He could be potentially dangerous to those around him and should have never been adopted out without proper professional training and should have never been left alone with a child until training had been accomplished.
My biggest struggle with this was that had the adults and B's life just been honest and told them that this was an unrealistic expectation but maybe we could work towards fostering and training with professional help it would have been okay. At first I didn't have this strong of feelings about it until I read a few other reviews that mentioned that because this book doesn't give the proper explanations to why this situation is unrealistic it's going to give other kids this expectation that they too can interact with and engage with reactive animals. That is just an unsafe thing and as someone with an aggressive dog it is not something that can just be dealt with or handled in a few short weeks.
I really wanted to love this. I love Robin Gow's books and their work but this was a miss for me. I have really enjoyed the other three books I've read by them and so I am in no way writing them off as an author but this one was just a significant miss for me. I do look forward to what they write next and I will continue reading the books.
This entire book is about B who is a foster kid who is non-binary and very clearly autistic but undiagnosed. They really want to be a therapy dog trainer when they grow up and they get really attached to this dog named gooseberry who they meet at a county fair situation. B ends up with new foster parents who are queer and essentially acts out until they adopt this dog. The problem is that gooseberry has had a traumatic history and is very reactive. He could be potentially dangerous to those around him and should have never been adopted out without proper professional training and should have never been left alone with a child until training had been accomplished.
My biggest struggle with this was that had the adults and B's life just been honest and told them that this was an unrealistic expectation but maybe we could work towards fostering and training with professional help it would have been okay. At first I didn't have this strong of feelings about it until I read a few other reviews that mentioned that because this book doesn't give the proper explanations to why this situation is unrealistic it's going to give other kids this expectation that they too can interact with and engage with reactive animals. That is just an unsafe thing and as someone with an aggressive dog it is not something that can just be dealt with or handled in a few short weeks.
I really wanted to love this. I love Robin Gow's books and their work but this was a miss for me. I have really enjoyed the other three books I've read by them and so I am in no way writing them off as an author but this one was just a significant miss for me. I do look forward to what they write next and I will continue reading the books.
May 13, 2024
3 stars
I really enjoy Robin Gow's books, in part because the representation is always solid, mindful, and realistic, and this newest middle grade effort provides further evidence of these earlier findings.
When B's parents die (before the book begins), they go into foster care, and as anyone who knows anything about this system can imagine, it's not an easy or straightforward experience. In addition to losing their parents and experiencing some resulting shuffling, B is also nonbinary and often faces challenges relating to their name, wavering acceptance from peers and adults, and lacking role models. Further, B gets hyper focused on some things (LIKE GOOSEBERRY!!!!!!!!!!) and also struggles to multitask and perform executive functioning skills. In short, B is trying to manage a lot, so when they get two new foster moms, this is a real boon.
While there is a lot to like about this book, my challenges with it come from a very specific place. I volunteer a lot for a dog rescue, and I really struggled with the way B and various adults interact with and talk about dogs here. Let me say it for the folks in the back: kids should not care for dogs. Picking up after them? Great. Walks? NO. Introducing dogs with behavioral challenges to strangers? Also no. Taking training liberties with dogs that are not well socialized? You get the idea. For good thematic reasons, B is really focused on this dog, but nearly every scene with the dog stressed me out so much because the humans just do not know how to interact with him. Again, admittedly, this is all tied to my personal incoming set of issues, but I felt distracted and concerned throughout the entire listen just waiting for the next canine disaster (and it's always the dog who pays in those cases).
Readers who want to experience some great rep and who want to get into the mind of a frustrating but well intentioned (and well written) character but do NOT have my same dog-related drama should have a listen.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoy Robin Gow's books, in part because the representation is always solid, mindful, and realistic, and this newest middle grade effort provides further evidence of these earlier findings.
When B's parents die (before the book begins), they go into foster care, and as anyone who knows anything about this system can imagine, it's not an easy or straightforward experience. In addition to losing their parents and experiencing some resulting shuffling, B is also nonbinary and often faces challenges relating to their name, wavering acceptance from peers and adults, and lacking role models. Further, B gets hyper focused on some things (LIKE GOOSEBERRY!!!!!!!!!!) and also struggles to multitask and perform executive functioning skills. In short, B is trying to manage a lot, so when they get two new foster moms, this is a real boon.
While there is a lot to like about this book, my challenges with it come from a very specific place. I volunteer a lot for a dog rescue, and I really struggled with the way B and various adults interact with and talk about dogs here. Let me say it for the folks in the back: kids should not care for dogs. Picking up after them? Great. Walks? NO. Introducing dogs with behavioral challenges to strangers? Also no. Taking training liberties with dogs that are not well socialized? You get the idea. For good thematic reasons, B is really focused on this dog, but nearly every scene with the dog stressed me out so much because the humans just do not know how to interact with him. Again, admittedly, this is all tied to my personal incoming set of issues, but I felt distracted and concerned throughout the entire listen just waiting for the next canine disaster (and it's always the dog who pays in those cases).
Readers who want to experience some great rep and who want to get into the mind of a frustrating but well intentioned (and well written) character but do NOT have my same dog-related drama should have a listen.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 30, 2025
This was such a cute book! I thoroughly enjoyed this story about B! B struggled so much in being in the system, figuring out who they are and their place in this world, and trying to figure out what name felt like them. I wish more people knew about and could understand about being non-binary and identifying with different pronouns. I related so much to B. Being in foster care and being moved all around. And identifying as non-binary! I, like B, have they them their as my pronouns. And I had my own long journey of finding a name that fit me and one which didn't sound like a guy's or chick's name. I also could relate to feeling so stressed out all the time and not being able to focus on school work. When you are dealing with major things like bouncing from home to home, family to family, and a lot of times not being treated well, that in itself makes school work so hard and daily life overall. Throw in being bullied and figuring out one's unique identity. Well, it's no wonder B often had to take time to be alone and regroup. I loved how B bonded with Gooseberry as much and as instantaneous as they did!! I'm getting this gray and white kitten in about 2 weeks and am very excited!! I haven't had a pet in years. I named him Pippin! Pip for short. I can't wait for him to get here so I can bond with him like B did with Gooseberry!!! Pets can do wonders for mental and emotional health. I loved how this was a cute story, but that talked about real-life things. Topics of such importance.
May 26, 2024
A heartfelt coming of age middle grade book featuring a nonbinary trans foster kid who bonds with a rescue dog and learns to adjust to their new family and make friends in their new school. The queer rep in this book was TOP NOTCH, from the main character, to their friends to their foster moms, it was heartwarming to see such diverse representation. I also loved how much they fell in love with their dog. Great on audio and highly recommended. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
May 29, 2024
1.5 stars rounded DOWN to 1 star. 👎🏻
Oomph, this was a tough read. I was not expecting to be this disappointed.
The most appropriate word for this book = UNREALISTIC.
To sum up the issues I have with this book:
1. That is NOT how training a therapy dog works. It takes months, sometimes YEARS for both dog and handler training to be certified, and even then, not all dogs are cut out to be therapy dogs. Same goes for handlers. Most of the time, it’s the handler that gives up first. Expecting that B, a neurodivergent child, can handle this task mostly on their own is unrealistic and gives kids reading this book false hope that they can do it themselves.
2. Any responsible and reputable animal shelter would NEVER have adopted Gooseberry out to a) a household with a child, b) foster parents who just got this kid a few days ago.
Gooseberry, from the very start, is indicative of having a traumatic life with its past owners, and among other things, has major trust issues which comes out as aggressive behaviour. There are so many scenes in this book that made my teeth clench and my heart sink. B could have been seriously injured more than once. B should never have been in a situation where he would be with Gooseberry alone, and this happened more than twice. Gooseberry should be provided with proper training and rehabilitation by a PROFESSIONAL before ever have been adopted out. Again, unrealistic shelter policy.
3. In this day and age, is it, again, unrealistic that at B’s age, they wouldn’t already have them tested for their very clear neurodivergence. I’m just not buying it.
4. The class bully is not going to engage in any sort of casual conversation with “the bullied” at any point in their school year, even out in the open or in private. That doesn’t make sense. Complimenting B on being a genuine person. Uh, no. Could this happen? Maybe, but HIGHLY unlikely and unrealistic.
What I did appreciate about this book:
Good narration, decent side characters, chapters weren’t too long, good transgender representation and use of gender-neutral and neo pronouns, found/chosen family, etc.
Unfortunately, the bad heavily outweighs the good. I couldn’t in good conscience recommend this book. I would, however, give the author another chance to redeem themselves in the future, and would review more of their related/similar works to see if their point of view has changed.
(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)
Oomph, this was a tough read. I was not expecting to be this disappointed.
The most appropriate word for this book = UNREALISTIC.
To sum up the issues I have with this book:
1. That is NOT how training a therapy dog works. It takes months, sometimes YEARS for both dog and handler training to be certified, and even then, not all dogs are cut out to be therapy dogs. Same goes for handlers. Most of the time, it’s the handler that gives up first. Expecting that B, a neurodivergent child, can handle this task mostly on their own is unrealistic and gives kids reading this book false hope that they can do it themselves.
2. Any responsible and reputable animal shelter would NEVER have adopted Gooseberry out to a) a household with a child, b) foster parents who just got this kid a few days ago.
Gooseberry, from the very start, is indicative of having a traumatic life with its past owners, and among other things, has major trust issues which comes out as aggressive behaviour. There are so many scenes in this book that made my teeth clench and my heart sink. B could have been seriously injured more than once. B should never have been in a situation where he would be with Gooseberry alone, and this happened more than twice. Gooseberry should be provided with proper training and rehabilitation by a PROFESSIONAL before ever have been adopted out. Again, unrealistic shelter policy.
3. In this day and age, is it, again, unrealistic that at B’s age, they wouldn’t already have them tested for their very clear neurodivergence. I’m just not buying it.
4. The class bully is not going to engage in any sort of casual conversation with “the bullied” at any point in their school year, even out in the open or in private. That doesn’t make sense. Complimenting B on being a genuine person. Uh, no. Could this happen? Maybe, but HIGHLY unlikely and unrealistic.
What I did appreciate about this book:
Good narration, decent side characters, chapters weren’t too long, good transgender representation and use of gender-neutral and neo pronouns, found/chosen family, etc.
Unfortunately, the bad heavily outweighs the good. I couldn’t in good conscience recommend this book. I would, however, give the author another chance to redeem themselves in the future, and would review more of their related/similar works to see if their point of view has changed.
(I received this ALC via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thank you.)
July 8, 2025
When I was a kid, I loved dog media like Air Buddies, Hotel for Dogs, Hachi: A Dog's Tale, Marley & Me, Shiloh, Lassie Come-Home, and many more. If we're being honest, I still do. So when I found out that Robin Gow wrote a dog book, I had to have it. And let me tell you, I loved it. Trans and autistic kids deserve dog stories too. 🫶🏻
Gooseberry is the story of a foster kid finding a connection with a shelter dog. They both feel out of place in the world, but together, they make a home with their two new foster moms. Oh, it made me tear up at the end. 🥹 It was soooo sweet.
I was impressed with the main character's voice. Though it was difficult for me to read at times, I felt like I was truly in the head of a 12-year-old neurodivergent kid with acute anxiety. It was handled so well. There were lots of examples of healthy communication and emotional navigation, even when it was tough. The story acknowledged that learning how to stand up to bullies, acclimating to a new place and new people, learning new dog-training skills, figuring out your gender and picking a name that feels right, and keeping up in school as a sixth-grader is hard! But the story was also uplifting in its practice at looking at the positive side of life. Good things can happen to queer, trans, nonbinary, neurodivergent, and autistic people too. Family and joy can be found in places you might not expect.
Gooseberry is a great book for kids. I can't recommend it enough!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
Gooseberry is the story of a foster kid finding a connection with a shelter dog. They both feel out of place in the world, but together, they make a home with their two new foster moms. Oh, it made me tear up at the end. 🥹 It was soooo sweet.
I was impressed with the main character's voice. Though it was difficult for me to read at times, I felt like I was truly in the head of a 12-year-old neurodivergent kid with acute anxiety. It was handled so well. There were lots of examples of healthy communication and emotional navigation, even when it was tough. The story acknowledged that learning how to stand up to bullies, acclimating to a new place and new people, learning new dog-training skills, figuring out your gender and picking a name that feels right, and keeping up in school as a sixth-grader is hard! But the story was also uplifting in its practice at looking at the positive side of life. Good things can happen to queer, trans, nonbinary, neurodivergent, and autistic people too. Family and joy can be found in places you might not expect.
Gooseberry is a great book for kids. I can't recommend it enough!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
January 3, 2025
This was the perfect book to kick off the year: who knew I'd be starting a "2025 favorites" shelf so soon!
I'm a huge fan of Robin Gow, with Dear Mothman being a favorite book of last year. I'm happy to say this book is another hit for me! Gooseberry reminded me of why I want to be a foster parent and the importance of patient and kind foster families. I loved the queer family B finds with their foster family and the way that B's journey of learning to trust their new foster moms mirrors the journey of Gooseberry learning to trust his new owners. I also really loved that, while B does struggle with some bullying, has a great group of friends who are kind and queer and weird. I also loved the autism rep in this book and the way neurodivergence is explained. B's foster moms were such great characters and I loved that they weren't "perfect" parents, but rather parents who knew how to apologize, be patient, and communicate. This was such a heartwarming book that had me tearing up in several places. I love this book and I highly recommend it for all ages!
I'm a huge fan of Robin Gow, with Dear Mothman being a favorite book of last year. I'm happy to say this book is another hit for me! Gooseberry reminded me of why I want to be a foster parent and the importance of patient and kind foster families. I loved the queer family B finds with their foster family and the way that B's journey of learning to trust their new foster moms mirrors the journey of Gooseberry learning to trust his new owners. I also really loved that, while B does struggle with some bullying, has a great group of friends who are kind and queer and weird. I also loved the autism rep in this book and the way neurodivergence is explained. B's foster moms were such great characters and I loved that they weren't "perfect" parents, but rather parents who knew how to apologize, be patient, and communicate. This was such a heartwarming book that had me tearing up in several places. I love this book and I highly recommend it for all ages!
June 11, 2024
After several unsuitable placements, B is hoping that their next foster home will be a forever home, and what better way to belong than to adopt that frightened dog they met at the dog shelter? B is determined to become a professional dog trainer, but Gooseberry isn't nearly as responsive to training as they'd hoped. With the stress of adjusting to a new home, B's grades start to slip, and school becomes a bit of a nightmare thanks to the local bullies. All the while, B is questioning their gender and trying to find their true name.
This book is cozy, and even though B goes through a lot, it never felt scary or traumatic, which is exactly what I was looking for (there are too many tragic trans stories out there). There were a few moments when I wanted to tell B to calm down and let the dog learn in its own time, but I think this added to the mood of the story nicely. The middle was a touch slow and redundant, but the ending was suitably thrilling. Overall, this is a sweet story that speaks to the power of supportive friends and family.
This book is cozy, and even though B goes through a lot, it never felt scary or traumatic, which is exactly what I was looking for (there are too many tragic trans stories out there). There were a few moments when I wanted to tell B to calm down and let the dog learn in its own time, but I think this added to the mood of the story nicely. The middle was a touch slow and redundant, but the ending was suitably thrilling. Overall, this is a sweet story that speaks to the power of supportive friends and family.
June 25, 2024
Robin Gow does not miss for me ever. I feel like Robin Gow is my non-horror equivalent to Andrew Joseph White. They both make me feel so seen and valid in my transness and neurodiversity. This book was amazing for me to have as an adult, I cannot imagine how powerful it would be to a kid going through any of the things that B is going through.
December 18, 2025
Look, being childishly mistaken about your ability to train a reactive dog doesn’t make you a bad person, but it does make you a frustrating protagonist for a narrative. It’s hard to root for them as an active agent when I’m mostly just wishing the foster parents would stop leaving them alone with the dog for the safety of both Gooseberry and B.
May 16, 2024
Content warnings: transphobia and purposeful misgendering (of MC and other characters), homophobia, bullying and harrassment, foster care system/child in foster care, mentions of parents dying.
Rep: B is non-binary and autistic. Side lesbian parental figures, side non-binary character with neo-pronouns, side trans girl, side queer characters.
I was able to read this one via audio thanks to netgalley.
The story of B is one that made my heart hurt. This kid has been through a lot in the short time they've been alive. Their parents die when they're 5 and they're put into the foster care system.
B has been through several foster care homes, and at the start of the book, the one they're in just gives them back to the system. It's heartbreaking.
How B felt - how overwhelmed they were all of the time, and how they just wanted something stable, but also just wanted a dog, was really well written.
This was hard in parts for me to read, but my heart went out to B and their struggles. Especially the bullying - kids can be so mean.
The audio was lovely - the narrator captured the story of B so very well.
Rep: B is non-binary and autistic. Side lesbian parental figures, side non-binary character with neo-pronouns, side trans girl, side queer characters.
I was able to read this one via audio thanks to netgalley.
The story of B is one that made my heart hurt. This kid has been through a lot in the short time they've been alive. Their parents die when they're 5 and they're put into the foster care system.
B has been through several foster care homes, and at the start of the book, the one they're in just gives them back to the system. It's heartbreaking.
How B felt - how overwhelmed they were all of the time, and how they just wanted something stable, but also just wanted a dog, was really well written.
This was hard in parts for me to read, but my heart went out to B and their struggles. Especially the bullying - kids can be so mean.
The audio was lovely - the narrator captured the story of B so very well.
May 29, 2024
I was provided an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was okay but it wasn't great. I didn't really like the characters or connect in any way to them. But it was pretty short and had some good moments. It just didn't really work for me. I've read a lot of middle grade but I guess this one read younger than most? Maybe that's why I didn't connect with it as much. I did really like the representation but it all felt quite surface level. I wished it had more depth and substance... I really just wanted more.
This was okay but it wasn't great. I didn't really like the characters or connect in any way to them. But it was pretty short and had some good moments. It just didn't really work for me. I've read a lot of middle grade but I guess this one read younger than most? Maybe that's why I didn't connect with it as much. I did really like the representation but it all felt quite surface level. I wished it had more depth and substance... I really just wanted more.
January 14, 2025
Good story of everyday life. But, I felt that it should've been more of a dog-book as that plot takes second place after the school and family story. It was sold to me as a dog-book so I'm a little disappointed.
Over all it's still a good book about exploring and finding oneself, being non-binary and autistic. So very relatable to me.
I've seen reviews going "the author expects you to follow their views 100%" and I'm like, what? Respect for people's names and pronouns? That's like basic, basic courtesy.
Over all it's still a good book about exploring and finding oneself, being non-binary and autistic. So very relatable to me.
I've seen reviews going "the author expects you to follow their views 100%" and I'm like, what? Respect for people's names and pronouns? That's like basic, basic courtesy.
February 6, 2025
This was a really sweet story about a nonbinary tween finding a loving family and their new name after a childhood full of struggles in foster care. They also get diagnosed with autism by the end of the book. Great representation for anyone who might be navigating a diagnosis, figuring out their gender identity, etc.
B is also dog obsessed and wants to be a dog trainer. Their bond with Gooseberry was very cute and wholesome, but I don’t think the book was the best representation of training a reactive dog 😅
Still, an enjoyable read with lots of positive messaging about acceptance, safety, and self love.
B is also dog obsessed and wants to be a dog trainer. Their bond with Gooseberry was very cute and wholesome, but I don’t think the book was the best representation of training a reactive dog 😅
Still, an enjoyable read with lots of positive messaging about acceptance, safety, and self love.
June 21, 2024
3,5⭐️
July 3, 2024
Enjoyed this one and it definitely felt like a younger book. Queer, trans, foster, autism, ADHD.
August 30, 2024
This book made me sob, laugh, scream, and stim, and was overall just a really touching story that made me feel so seen. Never before has a novel so well captured my middle school brain!
June 30, 2024
Robin Gow's main characters always have a way of stealing my heart, and B was no different. I thought this was a really heartwarming story. It's not a full 5 stars for me though, because Gooseberry's situation and training seemed a little too rose-coloured.
January 26, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
**Slight spoiler in What I Really Think*
B has been in foster care since the age of five, when their parents died, and has struggled to find a permanent placement. Currently, they are living with Mandy and Rick, who "smell like chicken broth and dead roses" and do not always correctly gender B, who identifies as non-binary. At a block party, B sees rescue dog Gooseberry, and is immediately drawn to him, being very emotional when told that there is no way the family can adopt a dog. After the foster parents return B to Haven House, a group home, B is placed with Eri (who is trans) and Jodi, a lesbian couple who are very understanding. Despite a rough start with B, who also evidences some neurodivergent qualities, they decide to adopt Gooseberry. Gooseberry has been traumatized, is very leery of humans, and spends a lot of time under the kitchen table. Despite this, and despite being told by Eri and Jodi to give Gooseberry the kind of space that B themselves often wants, B is obsessed with training Gooseberry so that he can be a service dog who visits Haven House. Gooseberry does not do well with the training. While living in his new foster home goes fairly well, school is still a struggle. B has a good group of friends, including Clementine, who uses ze/zero pronouns, but is also made fun of frequently by Cody and Zane, who pick on just about every aspect of B's personality. The teacher tells B to ignore them. Eri and Jodi don't like that, and offer to call Cody and Zane's parents, but also suggest that perhaps B should pick out a name to help solidify their identity. A crisis occurs when the class is on a camping trip, and Jodi brings Gooseberry. Gooseberry runs away, as he has been wont to do, and B reconciles a bit with Cody when the two are helping to find the dog. Will B be able to choose a name for themselves and remain at their new home?
Strengths: It is good to see a variety of experiences in foster care, since this is something that an increasing number of students are seeing or living. The inclusion of a rescue dog, and a description of his plight, was interesting, especially since B wanted to train Gooseberry as a service dog to visit the Haven House. The LGBTQIA+ representation was well done, and the problems B faces definitely occur in some settings. There's a happy ending.
Weaknesses: While it was good to see that Eri and Jodi wanted B to be happy, there was not enough consideration given to Gooseberry's well being. B was not kind to the dog, did not respect the dog's boundaries, and repeatedly endangered the animal. It seemed hard to believe that Jodi would bring the Gooseberry to the camping trip, having witnessed how poorly B read signals from the dog. This reminded me a bit of Arnold's A Boy Called Bat, where Bat really wants to keep a skunk as a pet even though it is not the best environment for the skunk.
What I really think: It was completely apparent to me that B was on the autism spectrum, given the description of the emotional states B experiences, but there is no official diagnosis until the end of the book. This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Riley's Jude Saves the World or Taylor's Starting from Scratch.
**Slight spoiler in What I Really Think*
B has been in foster care since the age of five, when their parents died, and has struggled to find a permanent placement. Currently, they are living with Mandy and Rick, who "smell like chicken broth and dead roses" and do not always correctly gender B, who identifies as non-binary. At a block party, B sees rescue dog Gooseberry, and is immediately drawn to him, being very emotional when told that there is no way the family can adopt a dog. After the foster parents return B to Haven House, a group home, B is placed with Eri (who is trans) and Jodi, a lesbian couple who are very understanding. Despite a rough start with B, who also evidences some neurodivergent qualities, they decide to adopt Gooseberry. Gooseberry has been traumatized, is very leery of humans, and spends a lot of time under the kitchen table. Despite this, and despite being told by Eri and Jodi to give Gooseberry the kind of space that B themselves often wants, B is obsessed with training Gooseberry so that he can be a service dog who visits Haven House. Gooseberry does not do well with the training. While living in his new foster home goes fairly well, school is still a struggle. B has a good group of friends, including Clementine, who uses ze/zero pronouns, but is also made fun of frequently by Cody and Zane, who pick on just about every aspect of B's personality. The teacher tells B to ignore them. Eri and Jodi don't like that, and offer to call Cody and Zane's parents, but also suggest that perhaps B should pick out a name to help solidify their identity. A crisis occurs when the class is on a camping trip, and Jodi brings Gooseberry. Gooseberry runs away, as he has been wont to do, and B reconciles a bit with Cody when the two are helping to find the dog. Will B be able to choose a name for themselves and remain at their new home?
Strengths: It is good to see a variety of experiences in foster care, since this is something that an increasing number of students are seeing or living. The inclusion of a rescue dog, and a description of his plight, was interesting, especially since B wanted to train Gooseberry as a service dog to visit the Haven House. The LGBTQIA+ representation was well done, and the problems B faces definitely occur in some settings. There's a happy ending.
Weaknesses: While it was good to see that Eri and Jodi wanted B to be happy, there was not enough consideration given to Gooseberry's well being. B was not kind to the dog, did not respect the dog's boundaries, and repeatedly endangered the animal. It seemed hard to believe that Jodi would bring the Gooseberry to the camping trip, having witnessed how poorly B read signals from the dog. This reminded me a bit of Arnold's A Boy Called Bat, where Bat really wants to keep a skunk as a pet even though it is not the best environment for the skunk.
What I really think: It was completely apparent to me that B was on the autism spectrum, given the description of the emotional states B experiences, but there is no official diagnosis until the end of the book. This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Riley's Jude Saves the World or Taylor's Starting from Scratch.
August 14, 2024
This book was clearly written with a lot of love and care and came from a personal place. I love seeing books with so much representation, we need that in kidlit (this book has a wide range of LGBT+ rep and neurodivergent rep).
The main character, B, is realistically written. The narrative is 1st person from their perspective. They are in 6th grade and held back a year and bullied, they’re a a non-binary trans youth, orphaned at five and has been cycling through the foster system, and is (undiagnosed) autistic and has ADHD - not addressed until the end of the book but is clear (to a savvy reader) through the narration. This is A LOT for B to deal with and I think their character is accurately depicted considering all of this and there is so much that kids from many backgrounds can relate to.
I did still have some issues with the novel, mainly with the Gooseberry plot line. B wants to be a dog trainer, for therapy dogs. They meet Gooseberry, feel a connection and fixate and obsess on this. The problem is that Gooseberry is a reactive, unpredictable, and unsocialized dog. Nobody properly explains to B that their plans for Gooseberry are simply unrealistic and that adopting him and bringing him into their new foster home are actually dangerous.
I did also find the book a little exhausting to read. It’s a good exercise for empathy to be so close inside a mind such as B’s. But overall, I found the book to be a little too long because there is so much repetitive interiority and not as much active plot. With a book that is so focused on the character development and discovery and readers are more or less stuck in their anxious head with them, I think it’s also important to have the plot move along fairly quickly, especially in kidlit in this digital age where kids have such a limited attention span.
This is still a beautiful book (with a gorgeous cover) worth having your kid’s check out especially if they haven’t had much exposure to the LGBT+ community or have questions. Loved the ending!
The main character, B, is realistically written. The narrative is 1st person from their perspective. They are in 6th grade and held back a year and bullied, they’re a a non-binary trans youth, orphaned at five and has been cycling through the foster system, and is (undiagnosed) autistic and has ADHD - not addressed until the end of the book but is clear (to a savvy reader) through the narration. This is A LOT for B to deal with and I think their character is accurately depicted considering all of this and there is so much that kids from many backgrounds can relate to.
I did still have some issues with the novel, mainly with the Gooseberry plot line. B wants to be a dog trainer, for therapy dogs. They meet Gooseberry, feel a connection and fixate and obsess on this. The problem is that Gooseberry is a reactive, unpredictable, and unsocialized dog. Nobody properly explains to B that their plans for Gooseberry are simply unrealistic and that adopting him and bringing him into their new foster home are actually dangerous.
I did also find the book a little exhausting to read. It’s a good exercise for empathy to be so close inside a mind such as B’s. But overall, I found the book to be a little too long because there is so much repetitive interiority and not as much active plot. With a book that is so focused on the character development and discovery and readers are more or less stuck in their anxious head with them, I think it’s also important to have the plot move along fairly quickly, especially in kidlit in this digital age where kids have such a limited attention span.
This is still a beautiful book (with a gorgeous cover) worth having your kid’s check out especially if they haven’t had much exposure to the LGBT+ community or have questions. Loved the ending!
July 5, 2024
Stars: 5
Format: audio
advanced listening copy
Gooseberry is more than a story about a dog. This is about being young and queer, and all the ways it can be difficult but also wonderful. While not reflective of any of my own experiences (expect trying to train a dog) I imagine that many young readers will see themselves in this book. I love that this story exists for all of them.
On a personal note, I don’t have anyone in my life who uses pronouns other than she/he/they. Listening to this audiobook felt like a learning experience through repeated exposure. That’s one of the coolest things about reading, you get to learn about people/places/things outside of your own lived experience.
Meet our main character B. They are living with some not-so-great foster parents at the start of the story. They are nonbinary and have some traits that suggest they are autistic, and probably definitely anxiety. A lot of anxiety. These foster parents basically force B to go to a block party that they have no interest in attending. But in the end, it’s kind of a good thing they went because they ran into the best dog ever, Gooseberry. Although the fosters are complete buttheads, lucky for B they decide they aren’t a good fit. Shortly after, B goes to live with a new couple, Jodie and Wisteria! With the help of some amazing school friends and their new fosters, they learn how to thrive. Oh, and of course, Gooseberry gets adopted by B and their moms.
I loved loved loved the parallel between B and Gooseberry’s lives. This story somehow made me incredibly sad and happy the entire time.
Unrelated to the book but definitely related to this review— I just read Robin Gow’s bio on fae’s website and omg he’s amazing! I immediately signed up for their newsletter.
I received an advanced copy for review, all thoughts are entirely my own. Thank you Spotify Audibooks and NetGalley for the opportunity
Format: audio
advanced listening copy
Gooseberry is more than a story about a dog. This is about being young and queer, and all the ways it can be difficult but also wonderful. While not reflective of any of my own experiences (expect trying to train a dog) I imagine that many young readers will see themselves in this book. I love that this story exists for all of them.
On a personal note, I don’t have anyone in my life who uses pronouns other than she/he/they. Listening to this audiobook felt like a learning experience through repeated exposure. That’s one of the coolest things about reading, you get to learn about people/places/things outside of your own lived experience.
Meet our main character B. They are living with some not-so-great foster parents at the start of the story. They are nonbinary and have some traits that suggest they are autistic, and probably definitely anxiety. A lot of anxiety. These foster parents basically force B to go to a block party that they have no interest in attending. But in the end, it’s kind of a good thing they went because they ran into the best dog ever, Gooseberry. Although the fosters are complete buttheads, lucky for B they decide they aren’t a good fit. Shortly after, B goes to live with a new couple, Jodie and Wisteria! With the help of some amazing school friends and their new fosters, they learn how to thrive. Oh, and of course, Gooseberry gets adopted by B and their moms.
I loved loved loved the parallel between B and Gooseberry’s lives. This story somehow made me incredibly sad and happy the entire time.
Unrelated to the book but definitely related to this review— I just read Robin Gow’s bio on fae’s website and omg he’s amazing! I immediately signed up for their newsletter.
I received an advanced copy for review, all thoughts are entirely my own. Thank you Spotify Audibooks and NetGalley for the opportunity
June 29, 2024
As the owner of a reactive (sometimes aggressive) shelter dog, this book had me STRESSED. I liked that there was a parallel between Gooseberry and B being labeled as “bad” or “difficult” because of their past traumas and I thought that would help B find more patience and understanding of Gooseberry. Yes, B is dealing with undiagnosed autism and is hyper focused on this dog-training goal, but I never felt like any adults made it clear how unsafe or unhealthy that was for B, the dog, and everyone around them. Basically, I was distracted from the narrative every time they pushed this dog before it was ready and I was constantly like, “SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT AND THEN SOME PERSON WHO DOESN’T GET IT IS GOING TO DEMAND THAT THIS DOG GET PUT DOWN.”
Anyway… it was nice seeing good nonbinary and neurodiverse representation in a middle grade book. B’s wholesome, diverse, supportive friend group was great. I’m glad B finally got placed with foster parents who understand and support them. The side character, Dai (the CPS? worker), was nice. Queer kids need queer adults in their lives who “get it.” Basically all of the cis/het characters were monsters but middle grade stories are normally more simplified and less nuanced than real life. 😅🤷🏼♀️ Overall, it’s not bad but, hey, now there are enough books about queer kids that we can be a bit choose-y.
Anyway… it was nice seeing good nonbinary and neurodiverse representation in a middle grade book. B’s wholesome, diverse, supportive friend group was great. I’m glad B finally got placed with foster parents who understand and support them. The side character, Dai (the CPS? worker), was nice. Queer kids need queer adults in their lives who “get it.” Basically all of the cis/het characters were monsters but middle grade stories are normally more simplified and less nuanced than real life. 😅🤷🏼♀️ Overall, it’s not bad but, hey, now there are enough books about queer kids that we can be a bit choose-y.
August 9, 2024
Oh heck I just loved the hell out of this book.
What didn't I love? Absolutely nothing. This book is crack if you like found family/foster family vibes, dogs and AuDHD characters represented on the page. B is a kid who's been in the system since their parents died in a car accident. They've been fostered in the same area and that's good from a point of view of getting to stay in the same school, but they've also moved foster houses enough time that it's begun to cause trauma.
We see B for the first time in a foster home that clearly isn't working and, just before B is given up, they happen to see a dog that they want more than they've ever wanted anything else. The way this dog comes up despite its own trauma is moving because it soothes B in a way that's reminiscent of a therapy dog.
Once be is out of that first house, the story really gets going. They are fostered into a house with a lesbian couple and we begin to see some of the walls B has been forced to form around themselves defensively. We also see them begin to come down.
This story is a heartwarming middle grade novel with an AuDHD and nonbinary protagonist that I already wish I could read again for the first time. It also has beautiful side characters.
What didn't I love? Absolutely nothing. This book is crack if you like found family/foster family vibes, dogs and AuDHD characters represented on the page. B is a kid who's been in the system since their parents died in a car accident. They've been fostered in the same area and that's good from a point of view of getting to stay in the same school, but they've also moved foster houses enough time that it's begun to cause trauma.
We see B for the first time in a foster home that clearly isn't working and, just before B is given up, they happen to see a dog that they want more than they've ever wanted anything else. The way this dog comes up despite its own trauma is moving because it soothes B in a way that's reminiscent of a therapy dog.
Once be is out of that first house, the story really gets going. They are fostered into a house with a lesbian couple and we begin to see some of the walls B has been forced to form around themselves defensively. We also see them begin to come down.
This story is a heartwarming middle grade novel with an AuDHD and nonbinary protagonist that I already wish I could read again for the first time. It also has beautiful side characters.
July 28, 2025
Gooseberry
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 7.00/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 7
Plot - 7.5
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 6.5
Overall Thoughts:
I was really excited to read this because I enjoyed Gow's previous book, Dear Mothman. However, this one didn't hit for me as much. I found the in-verse style of Dear Mothman to be really interesting and well structured, but the writing style of Gooseberry wasn't as interesting to me. I liked that this focused on some more serious themes but in a way that kids can still digest it. Something about the writing and the story and everything just didn't make B seem like a 6th grader to me tho? I felt like they acted more like a 4th or 5th grader (and so did the rest of their classmates). I also felt like the plot meandered a lot. I enjoyed getting to see B's thought process, but the "main" story simultaneously felt drawn-out and like it didn't get as wrapped up as I would have liked. Overall, I think the book could've used another round of editing as there were also a lot of grammatical errors and some oddily worded sentences. I still enjoyed this, but not as much as I was hoping which is disappointing. :/
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 7.00/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 7
Plot - 7.5
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 6.5
Overall Thoughts:
I was really excited to read this because I enjoyed Gow's previous book, Dear Mothman. However, this one didn't hit for me as much. I found the in-verse style of Dear Mothman to be really interesting and well structured, but the writing style of Gooseberry wasn't as interesting to me. I liked that this focused on some more serious themes but in a way that kids can still digest it. Something about the writing and the story and everything just didn't make B seem like a 6th grader to me tho? I felt like they acted more like a 4th or 5th grader (and so did the rest of their classmates). I also felt like the plot meandered a lot. I enjoyed getting to see B's thought process, but the "main" story simultaneously felt drawn-out and like it didn't get as wrapped up as I would have liked. Overall, I think the book could've used another round of editing as there were also a lot of grammatical errors and some oddily worded sentences. I still enjoyed this, but not as much as I was hoping which is disappointing. :/
March 1, 2024
I would not normally read Children's fiction (I think this is labelled as middle grade), but I am non-binary and going through the phase of wanting a dog. So the description along with the cover art called to me. With this booked being aimed at a younger audience, it made it very easy for me to read. I read it on my phone via NetGalley and it was easy to pick up sporadically whilst still feeling submerged in the story. This is a tale of good feeling, and although some plot points seem almost too good to be true, there is still a lot of struggle our MC B goes through.
I especially liked the use of the ze/zer pronouns. I have not met someone who outwardly uses them and I myself would never have considered those pronouns when changing my own pronouns to they/them, as neo pronouns seemed confusing. At first the use of ze/zer was jarring, but by the end of the book they flowed as easily as any pronouns I has been using for years. I think this is a great demonstration of how we only need to give time and practice, and the unfamiliar can soon become familiar and easy.
I hope this book does well, and I think it will be a great comfort and friend to many young people.
I especially liked the use of the ze/zer pronouns. I have not met someone who outwardly uses them and I myself would never have considered those pronouns when changing my own pronouns to they/them, as neo pronouns seemed confusing. At first the use of ze/zer was jarring, but by the end of the book they flowed as easily as any pronouns I has been using for years. I think this is a great demonstration of how we only need to give time and practice, and the unfamiliar can soon become familiar and easy.
I hope this book does well, and I think it will be a great comfort and friend to many young people.
September 15, 2025
extremely sad I didnt enjoy this im hesitant to give it 2 stars because its a children's book but thats exactly why its getting 2 stars. let's start with the positives nonbinary main character is really good for children to see and B is in foster care which is something alot of kids might not know about and thats good for them to learn about. I think the relationships are well written but this is where the good aspects end. The book is incredibly unrealistic. The way that the adoption of the dog went is so so so so so wrong there is no way on earth they would have let a reactive dog out to see a 12 year old kid and let the foster family adopt within 24 hours. The training of therapy dogs is also so unrealistic it pains me that a kid might read this and get a huge misunderstanding of the process of dog adoption and therapy dog training. I also think its unrealistic that B wouldn't have been tested for any neurodivergrence before the book started when they display clear signs that had to have been obvious to someone. I do know alot of people get diagnosed late in life or never get diagnosed but it just felt like it should have came up before the book.
June 2, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to Gooseberry as my first advanced audiobook!
I love, love, love all that Robin writes and this was no different. This was such a sweet story and I loved listening to it.
I love the neo-pronouns, the identity representation, the autism representation, and just all of it.
Robin has a way of making you feel so seen. I am glad the youth of today have books like this to find themselves in.
The one thing that did concern me, as others have pointed out is the way Gooseberry's storyline is handled. I'm not an animal expert but I do hope no kids believe they can have the same outcome as this fictional story and that they don't risk themselves or a dog who has been through a lot.
I don't usually press for accuracy in fictional books except when it can lead to real life attempts to recreate aspects of it. And with this story, I do wish the training and handling of a reactive pup was written a bit different.
Overall though, I enjoyed this read.
I love, love, love all that Robin writes and this was no different. This was such a sweet story and I loved listening to it.
I love the neo-pronouns, the identity representation, the autism representation, and just all of it.
Robin has a way of making you feel so seen. I am glad the youth of today have books like this to find themselves in.
The one thing that did concern me, as others have pointed out is the way Gooseberry's storyline is handled. I'm not an animal expert but I do hope no kids believe they can have the same outcome as this fictional story and that they don't risk themselves or a dog who has been through a lot.
I don't usually press for accuracy in fictional books except when it can lead to real life attempts to recreate aspects of it. And with this story, I do wish the training and handling of a reactive pup was written a bit different.
Overall though, I enjoyed this read.
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