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Strays
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26A girl learns the true meaning of home after forming a life-changing relationship with a stray dog in this irresistibly endearing middle-grade novel, reminiscent of beloved and bestselling stories like Wish, Pax, and Because of Winn-Dixie.
Campbell Cole has a big heart for all living things, especially strays. It might be because her father, the director of the local animal control, is as aloof as they come, so Campbell knows what it’s like to feel alone.
When she spots an adorable dog being dumped on the street, the last thing Campbell can do is tell her dad. He might take the pup straight to the shelter, where new rescues have just three days to be adopted. The only person she can trust with the truth is her best friend, Luz.
The more time Campbell spends trying to catch the dog, the more he starts to trust her, which is both great and terrible because Campbell knows she can’t keep him. But perhaps she doesn’t have to. With the help of Luz’s father, an army vet grappling with PTSD, she just may find a solution that benefits not only the dog, but everyone else, too.
Gia Gordon’s Strays is a beautifully written, heartfelt novel about friendship, family, and finding the courage to stand up for what’s right, that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find a place to call home.
If you loved Strays, don’t miss Gia Gordon’s acclaimed middle-grade debut My So-Called Family.
Campbell Cole has a big heart for all living things, especially strays. It might be because her father, the director of the local animal control, is as aloof as they come, so Campbell knows what it’s like to feel alone.
When she spots an adorable dog being dumped on the street, the last thing Campbell can do is tell her dad. He might take the pup straight to the shelter, where new rescues have just three days to be adopted. The only person she can trust with the truth is her best friend, Luz.
The more time Campbell spends trying to catch the dog, the more he starts to trust her, which is both great and terrible because Campbell knows she can’t keep him. But perhaps she doesn’t have to. With the help of Luz’s father, an army vet grappling with PTSD, she just may find a solution that benefits not only the dog, but everyone else, too.
Gia Gordon’s Strays is a beautifully written, heartfelt novel about friendship, family, and finding the courage to stand up for what’s right, that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find a place to call home.
If you loved Strays, don’t miss Gia Gordon’s acclaimed middle-grade debut My So-Called Family.
- GenresMiddle GradeDogsAnimals
272 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 8, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of Gia Gordon’s new novel, “Stray,” which comes out in June 2026. It follows the story of Campbell who witnesses a dog get dumped on her home from school one day. It is a story of love and acceptance and the sad truth that a lot of animals go through.
As someone who has experienced finding stray animals growing up this story hit close to home and I found it would be perfect for the younger generation(probably middle school or late elementary age). It deals with single parenthood, ptsd, friendship, emotional abandonment and more. I rated it five stars and can’t wait for a chance to read more by Gia Gordon in the future!
As someone who has experienced finding stray animals growing up this story hit close to home and I found it would be perfect for the younger generation(probably middle school or late elementary age). It deals with single parenthood, ptsd, friendship, emotional abandonment and more. I rated it five stars and can’t wait for a chance to read more by Gia Gordon in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss
Campbell lives with her father, who is a director of animal control and whose job it is to euthanize stray animals to keep the community safe. Her mother left when she was young when her father, who had been a firefighter, struggled with PTSD when he wasn't able to save someone in a fire. After the mother left, she was killed in a car accident. The father gets by, but Campbell knows he has had a hard day when he brings home takeout from Mr. Jalapeno for dinner rather than cooking. Campbell's best friend is Luz, whose father is out of work after returning from combat. This has caused stress for the mother, who is working and raising Luz and her two siblings without much support, so the parents are in counseling. When Campbell sees a small dog dropped out of a truck on her way home from school, she is dedicated to finding and saving the dog, but knows she needs to hide this from her father. She draws Luz into her plans, and the two are soon concocting an elaborate Canine Action Rescue Plan, complete with code names. Soon, the dog is taking up so much of Campbell's thoughts that she fails a quiz. She does get some help from the school librarian, Miss Alba, who helps her find resources and supports her. It takes a while to finally win the dog's trust and to be able to pick him up, but shortly after Campbell feels she can help Tater Tot, her father catches her with the dog. She claims the dog belongs to Luz, but that fiction is short lived. Luckily, Luz's father realizes that Tate looks much like the dog a fellow soldier had befriended, and plans are put in place to contact Vets for Pets and get Tate transported out to California to live with Edie. Campbell works with Miss Alba to try to form a dog rescue club at school to help more animals be adopted so that her father doesn't have to euthanize as many.
Strengths: Dog stories are always popular with my readers, and tweens who care deeply about rescue dogs will understand. Campbell's desire to save Tater Tot is understandable, and she tries to establish some support for her efforts by bringing in Luz and Miss Alba, who is realistically protrayed! The inclusion of dogs helping veterans is a good one. This is a short, fast-paced story, and the cover will appeal to young readers.
Weaknesses: The mental health issues the fathers faced were rather daunting. Because of the number of times Campbell references her father having to euthanize dogs, I would be cautious of including this in an elementary school collection.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoy rescue dog stories like Hoyle's Best Friends Dog Tales or E. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tales.
Campbell lives with her father, who is a director of animal control and whose job it is to euthanize stray animals to keep the community safe. Her mother left when she was young when her father, who had been a firefighter, struggled with PTSD when he wasn't able to save someone in a fire. After the mother left, she was killed in a car accident. The father gets by, but Campbell knows he has had a hard day when he brings home takeout from Mr. Jalapeno for dinner rather than cooking. Campbell's best friend is Luz, whose father is out of work after returning from combat. This has caused stress for the mother, who is working and raising Luz and her two siblings without much support, so the parents are in counseling. When Campbell sees a small dog dropped out of a truck on her way home from school, she is dedicated to finding and saving the dog, but knows she needs to hide this from her father. She draws Luz into her plans, and the two are soon concocting an elaborate Canine Action Rescue Plan, complete with code names. Soon, the dog is taking up so much of Campbell's thoughts that she fails a quiz. She does get some help from the school librarian, Miss Alba, who helps her find resources and supports her. It takes a while to finally win the dog's trust and to be able to pick him up, but shortly after Campbell feels she can help Tater Tot, her father catches her with the dog. She claims the dog belongs to Luz, but that fiction is short lived. Luckily, Luz's father realizes that Tate looks much like the dog a fellow soldier had befriended, and plans are put in place to contact Vets for Pets and get Tate transported out to California to live with Edie. Campbell works with Miss Alba to try to form a dog rescue club at school to help more animals be adopted so that her father doesn't have to euthanize as many.
Strengths: Dog stories are always popular with my readers, and tweens who care deeply about rescue dogs will understand. Campbell's desire to save Tater Tot is understandable, and she tries to establish some support for her efforts by bringing in Luz and Miss Alba, who is realistically protrayed! The inclusion of dogs helping veterans is a good one. This is a short, fast-paced story, and the cover will appeal to young readers.
Weaknesses: The mental health issues the fathers faced were rather daunting. Because of the number of times Campbell references her father having to euthanize dogs, I would be cautious of including this in an elementary school collection.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoy rescue dog stories like Hoyle's Best Friends Dog Tales or E. Bruce Cameron's A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tales.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC of Strays by Gia Gordon.
I have found myself turning to middle-grade books lately as a comfort read in the tumultuous times we find ourselves in, but I still need them to be well-written with valuable life lessons, delightful characters, and a feel-good ending to get a five-star rating. Strays by Gordon checked all of the boxes for me and centers around a stray pup and a main character with a heart so big I am surprised it fits in her chest. As a dog lover and shelter volunteer, I was hoping that this book lived up to the hype I built around it after reading the premise. Thankfully, it did.
When Campbell is walking home, she sees a van slow down and dump a poor, confused dog out on the side of the road. Not only did the van driver dump the dog, but then sped off without so much as a second thought, leaving the dog lost, confused, and afraid. Campbell knows two things right away: (1) no one deserves to be abandoned on the side of the road; (2) her father cannot know about this stray dog, as his job as the director of the local animal control would require action. The more time Campbell spends trying to catch the dog, the more he starts to trust her, which is both great and terrible because Campbell knows she can’t keep him. But perhaps she doesn’t have to. With the help of Luz’s father, an army vet grappling with PTSD, she just may find a solution that benefits not only the dog, but everyone else, too.
This book discusses topics of PTSD, single parenthood, friendship, family, and finding the courage to stand up for what’s right. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find a place to call home, whether they are middle school-aged or well past that age. I highly recommend this book for young readers!
I have found myself turning to middle-grade books lately as a comfort read in the tumultuous times we find ourselves in, but I still need them to be well-written with valuable life lessons, delightful characters, and a feel-good ending to get a five-star rating. Strays by Gordon checked all of the boxes for me and centers around a stray pup and a main character with a heart so big I am surprised it fits in her chest. As a dog lover and shelter volunteer, I was hoping that this book lived up to the hype I built around it after reading the premise. Thankfully, it did.
When Campbell is walking home, she sees a van slow down and dump a poor, confused dog out on the side of the road. Not only did the van driver dump the dog, but then sped off without so much as a second thought, leaving the dog lost, confused, and afraid. Campbell knows two things right away: (1) no one deserves to be abandoned on the side of the road; (2) her father cannot know about this stray dog, as his job as the director of the local animal control would require action. The more time Campbell spends trying to catch the dog, the more he starts to trust her, which is both great and terrible because Campbell knows she can’t keep him. But perhaps she doesn’t have to. With the help of Luz’s father, an army vet grappling with PTSD, she just may find a solution that benefits not only the dog, but everyone else, too.
This book discusses topics of PTSD, single parenthood, friendship, family, and finding the courage to stand up for what’s right. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find a place to call home, whether they are middle school-aged or well past that age. I highly recommend this book for young readers!
November 17, 2025
Campbell, a middle school student, sees a little dog being abandoned, and she and her best friend, Luz, find the dog and try to befriend it and feed it. Neither girl can take the dog home. Campbell’s father is the Head of Animal Control and will take it to the shelter where it will be euthanized after 3 days. Luz’s mother says she’s allergic to dogs. Campbell’s life is complicated because she lives alone with her dad who used to be a firefighter, but who suffered through a traumatic rescue in which one member of the family whose house was on fire died. Luz’s father also suffers from the trauma he experienced in the army; he was a career soldier for many years. Campbell’s father is remote and she feels disconnected from him and Luz’s family is in some disarray because her parents aren’t getting along. Both dads are at loose ends trying to overcome their own traumas but are definitely stuck. The dog isn’t the only stray in the story. The girls’ friendship is positive for the most part. When it hits a snag, Gordon does a nice job of showing how they worked through it and stayed connected. The dads eventually find out about the dog and work together to find a solution for finding it a home. In the process the two families join forces and everyone begins to get the support they need. Two concerns…Campbell’s dad is really adrift and she is practically raising herself when we meet her. Second concern is more of a question…Why didn’t Campbell’s dad adopt the stray dog since giving it a home would mean it wouldn’t have to be euthanized. Campbell clearly loved the dog. Thanks to Net Galley for this advance copy.
October 27, 2025
What is a stray? Or maybe a better question might be - who is a stray? Stays can be animals without a forever home. But strays can also be people. People who have lost their way in life. They can be a veteran with PTSD. They can be a child who has lost a parent through an accident or illness. They can be a person who has had a traumatic like experience. No matter how one has become a stray, healing is needed. In Gia Gordon’s book, “Strays”, middle school students Campbell Cole and Luz Bernal find an abandoned puppy. Because Campbell’s father is the city’s Chief Animal Control Officer, the puppy needs to remain a secret. As Campbell and Luz try to figure out how to save the puppy, they also end up helping others, who could be considered strays, in their lives.
This book has the ability to help middle schoolers connect with some hard life questions and experiences. It does a good job of describing the feelings an older child might be experiencing and could facilitate some good conversations about feelings and life experiences. The stream of consciousness story line is a bit wordy for my tastes, but I can see how a 10-14 year old could relate to it. This book showed the girls finding workable, realistic solutions, a great example to inspire middle schoolers.
I want to thank the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#Strays
#MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
This book has the ability to help middle schoolers connect with some hard life questions and experiences. It does a good job of describing the feelings an older child might be experiencing and could facilitate some good conversations about feelings and life experiences. The stream of consciousness story line is a bit wordy for my tastes, but I can see how a 10-14 year old could relate to it. This book showed the girls finding workable, realistic solutions, a great example to inspire middle schoolers.
I want to thank the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#Strays
#MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
I'll admit--it was the adorable cover that convinced me to request an ARC of this book, and I'm so glad I did.
The main character, Campbell, was super cool (LOVE her unique name!), and especially loved her learning more awareness and empathy towards others' struggles, but also how to work through her own in a healthy way. Her heart for animals was so sweet, too. 😍
I absolutely loved the puppy! He felt both realistic to a rescue dog's nervousness but also sweetness and desire to trust. (And the absolutely ravenous puppy appetite!) It made me miss the puppy days with my own rescue. 😭💙
In some ways, this book was pretty dark, and I was momentarily worried that the creepy white van storyline was going to get even darker. I also felt like there were a lot of various traumas in the lives of the characters, and the story might have been stronger if there were just a couple to focus on, but I understand what the author was going for.
CW: Euthanasia of animals is a strong theme and threat throughout the book. Parental abandonment, marriage struggles, and death are mentioned. The main character has an asthma attack. A "dog-dumper" displays threatening behavior. Lying is necessary to the storyline.
I'll admit--it was the adorable cover that convinced me to request an ARC of this book, and I'm so glad I did.
The main character, Campbell, was super cool (LOVE her unique name!), and especially loved her learning more awareness and empathy towards others' struggles, but also how to work through her own in a healthy way. Her heart for animals was so sweet, too. 😍
I absolutely loved the puppy! He felt both realistic to a rescue dog's nervousness but also sweetness and desire to trust. (And the absolutely ravenous puppy appetite!) It made me miss the puppy days with my own rescue. 😭💙
In some ways, this book was pretty dark, and I was momentarily worried that the creepy white van storyline was going to get even darker. I also felt like there were a lot of various traumas in the lives of the characters, and the story might have been stronger if there were just a couple to focus on, but I understand what the author was going for.
CW: Euthanasia of animals is a strong theme and threat throughout the book. Parental abandonment, marriage struggles, and death are mentioned. The main character has an asthma attack. A "dog-dumper" displays threatening behavior. Lying is necessary to the storyline.
October 2, 2025
What a heartwarming story about trust, family, courage, and friendship. Campbell sees a dog tossed into the road and when she finds it it runs off. She can’t let her dad find him because as the animal control director he will take the dog, and if it’s not claimed the dog will be euthanized. Campbell tells her best friend, Luz, about the dog and they spend many days looking for the dog. They find him and feed him but he always runs off. Then one day the dog comes up to Campbell and climbs into her lap. She has to get home and tells the dog to stay but he follows her. Her dad wants to know about the dog and so Campbell lies and says it’s Luz’ dog. When they go to her house, Luz’ dad says it reminds him of a dog when he was stationed in the army. The dad calls Edie, who says this dog does look like that one near their base. Edie wants to meet the dog. Campbell wants to now start a club to help animals.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Note: This review was written by an 8-year-old reader.
Strays by Gia Gordon is a heartwarming and inspiring story.
This book is about a girl who sees a dog get dumped on the street and decides to help him. While trying to rescue the dog, she also has to deal with family, friends, school, and Animal Control. My favorite part of the book is when she rescues the dog and he finds a new home.
I loved how caring and brave the main character was. This story made me feel happy and hopeful, and it showed how helping animals can make a big difference. It also reminded me of my dog Peyton. She was a stray too, until my mom rescued her and adopted her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs and emotional stories. Perfect for ages 8–12. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for this advanced copy.
Strays by Gia Gordon is a heartwarming and inspiring story.
This book is about a girl who sees a dog get dumped on the street and decides to help him. While trying to rescue the dog, she also has to deal with family, friends, school, and Animal Control. My favorite part of the book is when she rescues the dog and he finds a new home.
I loved how caring and brave the main character was. This story made me feel happy and hopeful, and it showed how helping animals can make a big difference. It also reminded me of my dog Peyton. She was a stray too, until my mom rescued her and adopted her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs and emotional stories. Perfect for ages 8–12. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for this advanced copy.
October 8, 2025
A heartwarming story with a few missed opportunities. This is a lovely, heartfelt middle-grade novel about what it means to find family in the most unexpected places. The narrative does an excellent job of reminding readers that family isn't always about blood relatives but the people- and animals- we choose to love.
The characters are a genuine highlight of this book. The way the relationship between Campbell and the dog develops is the emotional core of the story, and it's a truly touching journey to witness.
The pacing felt a little uneven at times. Some of the subplots and character relationships could have been explored more.
Overall a great read!
Appreciate the opportunity by NetGalley to review!
The characters are a genuine highlight of this book. The way the relationship between Campbell and the dog develops is the emotional core of the story, and it's a truly touching journey to witness.
The pacing felt a little uneven at times. Some of the subplots and character relationships could have been explored more.
Overall a great read!
Appreciate the opportunity by NetGalley to review!
November 3, 2025
4.25 stars
I read this with my 8-year-old, and we enjoyed the experience. I was expecting a lighthearted story about rescuing a dog, but this one digs a little deeper into emotional abandonment and veteran experiences. As a veteran, I really loved Mr. Bernal's whole subplot. The heavy tone you endure the majority of the story comes with a beautiful payoff with the end.
While this story dealt with some tough topics, I think it's a good one for middle schoolers and advanced elementary schoolers.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I read this with my 8-year-old, and we enjoyed the experience. I was expecting a lighthearted story about rescuing a dog, but this one digs a little deeper into emotional abandonment and veteran experiences. As a veteran, I really loved Mr. Bernal's whole subplot. The heavy tone you endure the majority of the story comes with a beautiful payoff with the end.
While this story dealt with some tough topics, I think it's a good one for middle schoolers and advanced elementary schoolers.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free advance copy of this book. This book is a tough one, with some tough issue to work through. While overall the book ends in a positive manner, it is a challenge to walk through that path to resolution. This book could be appropriate for emotionally mature children who can process difficult themes in an appropriate way, but would be a challenge for most children.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great cover. Pickleball and a dog what a good combination in a book. The main character Campbell and her friendship with Luz seemed believable. I think this book would be relatable to middle schoolers. I would recommend it to a school librarian.
April 29, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Campbell witnesses a puppy being dumped out of a white van on her way home from school. Horrified that someone could do that, she starts searching for the little terrified pup. With her best friend Luz, they concoct a plan to rescue the pup Campbell has named Tater Tot. Campbell is also keeping her plans secret from her father who is the animal control officer for their town and responsibly for euthanizing unclaimed dogs. This does not help the former firefighter’s PTSD. Campbell and Luz enlist the help from the school librarian about animal rescue. Will the girls be able to rescue Tater Tot and get him a proper home?
This story is very sweet and realistic. Both girls’ parents have trauma and other issues that affect them. I really enjoyed this book (then again, I enjoy most dog books!) and would recommend for readers in grades 4 and up.
#Strays #MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
Campbell witnesses a puppy being dumped out of a white van on her way home from school. Horrified that someone could do that, she starts searching for the little terrified pup. With her best friend Luz, they concoct a plan to rescue the pup Campbell has named Tater Tot. Campbell is also keeping her plans secret from her father who is the animal control officer for their town and responsibly for euthanizing unclaimed dogs. This does not help the former firefighter’s PTSD. Campbell and Luz enlist the help from the school librarian about animal rescue. Will the girls be able to rescue Tater Tot and get him a proper home?
This story is very sweet and realistic. Both girls’ parents have trauma and other issues that affect them. I really enjoyed this book (then again, I enjoy most dog books!) and would recommend for readers in grades 4 and up.
#Strays #MacmillanChildrensPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
February 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There is something truly special about today’s children’s books that discusses the tough conversations. The conversations that my childhood books didn’t have. It’s great to read about an adventure or a fun mystery but childhood can be confusing and lonely. Especially, if you’re an only child or have lost a parent (like Campbell in Strays). Strays by Gia Gordon is a heartfelt story about love, friendship and standing up for what’s right.
Out June 2nd. Great for older elementary and middle school kids. Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance.
✨🐕 🐾
#netgalley
There is something truly special about today’s children’s books that discusses the tough conversations. The conversations that my childhood books didn’t have. It’s great to read about an adventure or a fun mystery but childhood can be confusing and lonely. Especially, if you’re an only child or have lost a parent (like Campbell in Strays). Strays by Gia Gordon is a heartfelt story about love, friendship and standing up for what’s right.
Out June 2nd. Great for older elementary and middle school kids. Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance.
✨🐕 🐾
#netgalley
March 5, 2026
Ebook ARC provided by Netgalley!
This was such a heartwarming story! it had even more depth than I was expecting in the best way. I loved Campbell and Luz’s friendship, and how they knew each other so well. I loved Campbell’s determination in rescuing this little dog. I loved how she wanted to help on even bigger scale too. The ending was very satisfying to me and I liked getting to see Luz’s dad’s growth throughout this book and kind of how he handled coming home and getting to see more of the veterans family dynamics.
This was such a heartwarming story! it had even more depth than I was expecting in the best way. I loved Campbell and Luz’s friendship, and how they knew each other so well. I loved Campbell’s determination in rescuing this little dog. I loved how she wanted to help on even bigger scale too. The ending was very satisfying to me and I liked getting to see Luz’s dad’s growth throughout this book and kind of how he handled coming home and getting to see more of the veterans family dynamics.
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