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Lila and Hadley
Can a lost girl save a found dog? Find out in this unforgettable story about discovering true friendship, finding home, and the possibilities of forgiveness.
Hadley is angry about a lot of things: Her mom going to jail. Having to move to another state to live with her older sister, Beth, even though they haven't spoken in five years. Leaving her friends and her school behind. And going blind.
But then Hadley meets Lila.
Lila is an abandoned dog who spends her days just quietly lying around at the local dog rescue where Beth works. She doesn't listen to directions or play with the other dogs or show any interest in people. So when Lila comes and sits by Hadley (which is hardly anything, but it's more than she's done with others), Beth thinks maybe Hadley can help Lila. She tells Hadley they'll bring Lila home as a foster dog and Hadley can teach her to follow commands, walk on a leash, and be more of a people dog so she'll be ready to be adopted.
Only working with Lila is harder than Hadley thought, and so is the mobility training she starts taking to help with her failing vision. It feels like Lila is too stubborn to train and like learning to use a cane is impossible. But unless Hadley can help Lila, she'll never be adopted into a home. If Hadley could just let go of her anger, she might be able to save Lila... and herself.
New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger weaves an unforgettable story about discovering true friendship, finding home, and the possibilities of forgiveness.
Hadley is angry about a lot of things: Her mom going to jail. Having to move to another state to live with her older sister, Beth, even though they haven't spoken in five years. Leaving her friends and her school behind. And going blind.
But then Hadley meets Lila.
Lila is an abandoned dog who spends her days just quietly lying around at the local dog rescue where Beth works. She doesn't listen to directions or play with the other dogs or show any interest in people. So when Lila comes and sits by Hadley (which is hardly anything, but it's more than she's done with others), Beth thinks maybe Hadley can help Lila. She tells Hadley they'll bring Lila home as a foster dog and Hadley can teach her to follow commands, walk on a leash, and be more of a people dog so she'll be ready to be adopted.
Only working with Lila is harder than Hadley thought, and so is the mobility training she starts taking to help with her failing vision. It feels like Lila is too stubborn to train and like learning to use a cane is impossible. But unless Hadley can help Lila, she'll never be adopted into a home. If Hadley could just let go of her anger, she might be able to save Lila... and herself.
New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger weaves an unforgettable story about discovering true friendship, finding home, and the possibilities of forgiveness.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 7, 2020
62 people are currently reading
2316 people want to read
About the author
Kody Keplinger
19 books6,760 followersKody Keplinger is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of books like The DUFF, That's Not What Happened, and Where Lost Girls Go, as well as many others. Her debut novel, The DUFF, was published when she was nineteen years old and was later adapted into a feature film starring Mae Whitman. Kody is legally blind and queer and many of her books feature characters from those backgrounds as well. When not writing, she loves to play Dungeons and Dragons and hang out with her dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
March 30, 2022
Beautiful story about a girl who is hurting and a lonely shelter dog, and how they come together over a summer.
February 6, 2020
Pros: I thought this book was cute. I love dogs, and I love reading books with dogs as main characters. Plus, Lila (the dog) has such a soft spot in my heart because she was lonely and depressed in the shelter, and Hadley really helped bring her out of her shell.
I also really appreciate that the author made the main character a middle-schooler with a few life problems. Her mother in is jail, she is forced to live with a family member she hasn’t spoken to in years, and she is going blind. I would never want a child to go through so many hardships, but that is the reality for some tweens. So, I appreciate that Keplinger made a tween with realistic hardships.
Cons: What I didn’t like was the use of “ya’ll” and “ain’t” almost every other line. I know that the characters reside in Kentucky and Tennessee, but as a person whose entire family is from Kentucky and Tennessee, it didn’t seem realistic to me. (My relatives don’t use those words that often, and they are in the hearts of both states.) However, I doubt a middle schooler reading this book would have the same qualms as I do about this.
Overall, I thought this book was cute. It could have had a little more depth to it, but it is still a cute story line with an adorable dog and a girl who is processing many hardships life is throwing at her, and I believe that is important for tweens to read as it helps them connect to their own lives and builds empathy.
I also really appreciate that the author made the main character a middle-schooler with a few life problems. Her mother in is jail, she is forced to live with a family member she hasn’t spoken to in years, and she is going blind. I would never want a child to go through so many hardships, but that is the reality for some tweens. So, I appreciate that Keplinger made a tween with realistic hardships.
Cons: What I didn’t like was the use of “ya’ll” and “ain’t” almost every other line. I know that the characters reside in Kentucky and Tennessee, but as a person whose entire family is from Kentucky and Tennessee, it didn’t seem realistic to me. (My relatives don’t use those words that often, and they are in the hearts of both states.) However, I doubt a middle schooler reading this book would have the same qualms as I do about this.
Overall, I thought this book was cute. It could have had a little more depth to it, but it is still a cute story line with an adorable dog and a girl who is processing many hardships life is throwing at her, and I believe that is important for tweens to read as it helps them connect to their own lives and builds empathy.
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November 26, 2020After Hadley's mom goes to prison, Hadley is shuttled off to live with her older sister Beth in Kentucky, away from all her friends and the only home she's ever known. Hadley's not happy about it and she refuses to take her mom's nightly phone calls. Beth works as a dog trainer at a local dog rescue. Hadley's not a dog person. But when she happens to be the one person that shelter dog Lila responds to, Beth convinces her to bring Lila home and try to work with her so she can be adopted. As Hadley works with Lila and has success, she comes around to the idea of doing mobility training to help her manage as she loses her sight to a progressive disability. This is a summer unlike any Hadley ever pictured, but it will change Hadley's life forever.
This is a wonderful own-voices story that will appeal to readers who love dog stories or who like books about kids dealing with big family issues. Hadley's strong voice makes her story leap off the page and the details about her handling her progressive blindness add much to the story. Hand to fans of Because of Winn Dixie, Just Like Jackie, or Fighting Words.
This is a wonderful own-voices story that will appeal to readers who love dog stories or who like books about kids dealing with big family issues. Hadley's strong voice makes her story leap off the page and the details about her handling her progressive blindness add much to the story. Hand to fans of Because of Winn Dixie, Just Like Jackie, or Fighting Words.
April 18, 2022
A current student, who has a fickle relationship with books and reading, had suggested this book to me. Then we had a book fair, and she actually bought the book and gave it to me as a surprise! Such a sweet and generous gesture! I’m excited to have the student sign the book, and then I will place it in our classroom library.
So while this isn’t One Hundred Years of Solitude, it is a book that resonated with a student. And we all know that the best books are the ones that end up in students’ hands, heads, and hearts.
So while this isn’t One Hundred Years of Solitude, it is a book that resonated with a student. And we all know that the best books are the ones that end up in students’ hands, heads, and hearts.
April 2, 2020
Hadley is a mass of emotions that come together to make her sullen, rude, deeply resentful and resistant to any overtures by her older sister or anyone in her life. And who can blame her? Her mother has just started a prison term and Hadley has come to stay with her sister, who has been estranged from the family for years. She has left her friends, her school and her life behind and she is dealing with the increasing impact of a disease that is causing her to lose her sight.
Dragged unwillingly by her sister to the dog rescue agency where she works, Hadley chances on dog there who is as withdrawn and unresponsive as she is and the two make a connection. Slowly, the girl and the dog start to help each other.
Keplinger's portrayal of Hadley is spot on! Sad, deeply afraid and refusing to admit or deal with her fear, Hadley controls her world in the only way she knows how: with sullen resentment and resistance. Watching her slowly come to terms with her fear and tamped down emotions was a true pleasure and the connection with Lila is really moving and believable.
The descriptions of Hadley's condition and her training with the cane is extremely well done and I think middle school readers will come away from this one with a real understanding of just how difficult this is. Hadley's older sister Beth is a well written character too, admirably patient, yet realistic and dealing with actions of her own. And everyone will be cheering for Lila!
Quite moving and interesting, this one made me tear up at the end, but don't worry - Lila does NOT die ;-)
Dragged unwillingly by her sister to the dog rescue agency where she works, Hadley chances on dog there who is as withdrawn and unresponsive as she is and the two make a connection. Slowly, the girl and the dog start to help each other.
Keplinger's portrayal of Hadley is spot on! Sad, deeply afraid and refusing to admit or deal with her fear, Hadley controls her world in the only way she knows how: with sullen resentment and resistance. Watching her slowly come to terms with her fear and tamped down emotions was a true pleasure and the connection with Lila is really moving and believable.
The descriptions of Hadley's condition and her training with the cane is extremely well done and I think middle school readers will come away from this one with a real understanding of just how difficult this is. Hadley's older sister Beth is a well written character too, admirably patient, yet realistic and dealing with actions of her own. And everyone will be cheering for Lila!
Quite moving and interesting, this one made me tear up at the end, but don't worry - Lila does NOT die ;-)
March 14, 2021
I used to teach a course about children’s books portraying children of incarcerated parents. Although the course is not available any longer, I am always looking for additional titles. In Lila and Hadley, the mother is sent to prison for embezzling from her employer. The portrayal of Hadley’s anger, feelings that life is unfair and her embarrassment dealing with friends are realistic. The mechanics of communication—letters, phone calls and visitation—are incorporated into the story. We often do not know which of the children we interact with have incarcerated family members. This book is a good addition to add to the limited number that explore incarceration.
November 26, 2021
I wanted to like this book more than I did. However, I could not get past the way Hadley talked - there were way to many aint’s and don’t gottas for me. Just because she’s from Tennessee doesn’t mean she has to speak incorrectly. I thought it was very stereotypical. Otherwise, I loved the premise of Hadley, a young girl who is going through some very difficult childhood trauma (she is going blind and Mom is in jail), working with a depressed shelter dog and figuring some things out about herself along the way.
March 16, 2022
I would love to be able to give this book a higher rating…the story itself had so much potential however, I could not get past the way that it was written. In place of the word “doesn’t”, the author uses “don’t” and most of the time it sounds horrible. The use of the word “gonna” is another word that is over used and again it just sounds awful. Unfortunately, the use of these words, inappropriately and all of the time, makes this an annoying book to read. I had a hard time finishing this book. If you can look past the awful grammar, the story itself is cute…
April 26, 2020
Amazing!!!!!!!!!!! But sad
July 16, 2023
“Lila and Hadley'' written by Kody Keplinger is a book about a 12 year-old girl named Hadley, who goes through a difficult transition and faces many hardships. Hadley is informed by doctors that she is legally blind and her vision will continue to progressively get worse. Her mother states that she would look into mobility lessons to prepare her for the future. However, Hadley has to leave her hometown, Tennessee, to live with her older sister, Beth in Kentucky. Hadley was sent to live with her older sister because her mother got in trouble for stealing and was sentenced to time served in jail. This caused Hadley to be filled with many different emotions such as anger, sadness, and loneliness. She had a very close bond with her mother and did not know her sister well enough because Beth moved out when she was younger. This was difficult for her because when Beth left them, she never reached out or stayed in contact with them. In Kentucky, Beth currently works as a dog trainer at a dog rescue center. Hadley, not being very interested in dogs, interacts with a pitbull named Lila who is known to not be very responsive. Lila seems to only take likeness into Hadley by responding and interacting with her. Hadley and Beth are convinced to take Lila home and train her so she can be adopted. During the summer, Hadley goes through hardships like learning how to train Lila and her mobility training to help her prepare for when she loses sight. Throughout the book, you can see character development, relationships growing, and acts of forgiveness. As you read, you can follow the journey of Hadley training in her mobility classes while training Lila so she can be adopted. You can see the two become very alike and grow a bond together.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to others to read as well. I was interested to read this book because it was about a girl who becomes close with a sheltered and lonely dog. The reason why I read this book was because I am a huge animal lover and adopted a dog from an animal shelter as well. While reading this book, I felt like I was able to relate to Hadley by having to train an adopted dog as she did with Lila. From a teacher's lens, this book would be beneficial to have students read because they can see the differences between characters, the hardships that the characters face, and how the character dealt with their struggles. As a future teacher, I could use this book in the classroom by introducing exceptionalities. Students can read about Hadley and how she overcomes becoming legally blind. This will allow students to see how unique Hadley is and how she fits in. I believe that this book would best be suitable for children in their early tweens because they could possibly have connections with the characters or be interested in the storyline of Hadley and Lila the dog.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to others to read as well. I was interested to read this book because it was about a girl who becomes close with a sheltered and lonely dog. The reason why I read this book was because I am a huge animal lover and adopted a dog from an animal shelter as well. While reading this book, I felt like I was able to relate to Hadley by having to train an adopted dog as she did with Lila. From a teacher's lens, this book would be beneficial to have students read because they can see the differences between characters, the hardships that the characters face, and how the character dealt with their struggles. As a future teacher, I could use this book in the classroom by introducing exceptionalities. Students can read about Hadley and how she overcomes becoming legally blind. This will allow students to see how unique Hadley is and how she fits in. I believe that this book would best be suitable for children in their early tweens because they could possibly have connections with the characters or be interested in the storyline of Hadley and Lila the dog.
February 9, 2020
I receieved a copy of Lila and Hadley by Kody Keplinger through the #ScholasticInsider program. This book is expected to be released in April 2020. All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Hadley's life gets turned upside down when her mother is sent to jail for embezzling and she is sent to live with her older sister, who she hasn't seen in seven years. To top it off, Hadley's vision is severely declining and she has been declared legally blind. As you can imagine, the start of her summer is full of sadness, anger, and confusion. Then, Hadley meets Lila, a pitbull who seems disinterested in interacting with anyone but Hadley and can't be adopted because she's not trained. Beth, Hadley's sister, suggests that Hadley bring Lila home to train. Over the summer, Hadley and Lila both participate in training (Lila obedience and Hadley mobility) and they begin to form a bond even though Hadley repeatedly says, "I ain't a dog person." Will Hadley, with the help of Lila, be able to leave her anger behind and learn how to forgive?
This book was cute. I loved that one of the main characters was a pit bull. I loved Lila and several of her mannerisms (like her love of tug-of-war and the sighing when things don't go her way) remind me of my own pit bull. I enjoyed that Hadley was a middle school student, but that her story's conflict didn't revolve around peer pressure or friendship like a lot of MG books. Instead, the focus of this book is forgiveness which I believe is a very important message. One of my favorite things about the book is that Hadley's story comes full circle through Lila. While I did enjoy this book I do have to admit that I struggled with Hadley's voice. She starts the book off discussing how she's been told not to use the word ain't but that it was her mom that taught her that, so it didn't matter. I didn't mind this initial discussion or when she said "I ain't a dog person." However, at a certain point it just felt like ain't was being used just to be used. I don't think that this is something that my middle school students will really care about or necessarily even notice, but I personally found it very distracting.
Twelve-year-old Hadley's life gets turned upside down when her mother is sent to jail for embezzling and she is sent to live with her older sister, who she hasn't seen in seven years. To top it off, Hadley's vision is severely declining and she has been declared legally blind. As you can imagine, the start of her summer is full of sadness, anger, and confusion. Then, Hadley meets Lila, a pitbull who seems disinterested in interacting with anyone but Hadley and can't be adopted because she's not trained. Beth, Hadley's sister, suggests that Hadley bring Lila home to train. Over the summer, Hadley and Lila both participate in training (Lila obedience and Hadley mobility) and they begin to form a bond even though Hadley repeatedly says, "I ain't a dog person." Will Hadley, with the help of Lila, be able to leave her anger behind and learn how to forgive?
This book was cute. I loved that one of the main characters was a pit bull. I loved Lila and several of her mannerisms (like her love of tug-of-war and the sighing when things don't go her way) remind me of my own pit bull. I enjoyed that Hadley was a middle school student, but that her story's conflict didn't revolve around peer pressure or friendship like a lot of MG books. Instead, the focus of this book is forgiveness which I believe is a very important message. One of my favorite things about the book is that Hadley's story comes full circle through Lila. While I did enjoy this book I do have to admit that I struggled with Hadley's voice. She starts the book off discussing how she's been told not to use the word ain't but that it was her mom that taught her that, so it didn't matter. I didn't mind this initial discussion or when she said "I ain't a dog person." However, at a certain point it just felt like ain't was being used just to be used. I don't think that this is something that my middle school students will really care about or necessarily even notice, but I personally found it very distracting.
May 1, 2021
I read this book as a book study with my 4th grade students. I gave them a variety of Own Voices books to choose from for their book study, and this is the one they chose. I thought it was a great choice. It was a super cute book and I really enjoyed the development of both Hadley and Lila as characters. I found the characters' emotions to be very realistic considering the challenges they were all facing and I also liked that it didn't have a cookie-cutter or expected ending. This glimpse into the life and eyes of a character who is slowly going blind is not one that many kids get to experience, so I think kids will enjoy it for the unique perspective it provides.
April 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. This book has great character development. Lila and Hadley work out for her problems together, and Hadley learns to see the good in the world, even though she can't see. One of the reasons I really enjoyed this book was because of Hadley's disability. I like learning about different disabilities, because they fascinate me. I would definitely recommend reading this book if you are in the mood for an eye opening, heartwarming, relatable quick read.
February 15, 2021
It was cute! It went by a lot faster then I thought and I enjoyed the story! I disliked how Hadley kept saying ain't because I can't stand improper grammar. That was the only thing though the rest was cute and realistic. The cover was probably my favorite part, honestly. As I said, it was really sweet!
May 26, 2025
When her mother goes to prison, Hayley is shunted off to live with the big sister she barely knows. Being wrenched away from her home and friends would be bad enough, but she is also going blind.
Enter Lila. An abandoned pit bull who an animal rescue hopes can be trained so they can be put up for adoption. Hayley ‘ain’t a dog person’ but reluctantly starts training Lila. Gradually, the two pull each other out of their misery and they come to terms with their circumstances.
I loved the book because of how accurately it captures teenage angst. The references to phone pictures and social media date the book, but if not for them, this would be a timeless tale.
Enter Lila. An abandoned pit bull who an animal rescue hopes can be trained so they can be put up for adoption. Hayley ‘ain’t a dog person’ but reluctantly starts training Lila. Gradually, the two pull each other out of their misery and they come to terms with their circumstances.
I loved the book because of how accurately it captures teenage angst. The references to phone pictures and social media date the book, but if not for them, this would be a timeless tale.
July 26, 2020
I like this book but don't like how it ended. I wish she got to keep the dog.
March 20, 2022
The best thing about this novel was the dogs, but that’s obvious, right? I didn’t hate Lila and Hadley, but I didn’t really love it either. I thought that Hadley being legally blind was really interesting, but it didn’t feel like it was that big of a plot point—it seems like she just talked a lot about how she was afraid of people judging her more than her actually dealing with her condition. I wish that there would’ve been more scenes of her navigating life with low vision.
I also hated Hadley’s personality. She didn’t get better at the end at all, and I’m tired of these young adult/middle-grade novels portraying characters that are super bratty without any repercussions. You can be angry and frustrated and confused, but the sheer amount of yelling, shrugging, eye-rolling, and huffing that Hadley grated my nerves!!
I also hate, hate, HATE how
Anyway, the novel was just okay—by far not the worst novel I’ve read recently.
I also hated Hadley’s personality. She didn’t get better at the end at all, and I’m tired of these young adult/middle-grade novels portraying characters that are super bratty without any repercussions. You can be angry and frustrated and confused, but the sheer amount of yelling, shrugging, eye-rolling, and huffing that Hadley grated my nerves!!
I also hate, hate, HATE how
Anyway, the novel was just okay—by far not the worst novel I’ve read recently.
February 25, 2020
Many thanks to EdelweissPlus and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.
This book came to the Scholastic Book Fair this spring, and I was excited to be able to get a copy of it online to preview as it was a pretty popular choice with my kids this spring. I was very impressed with the storyline. This is a SOLIDLY middle grade novel (the MC is 12 and getting ready to go into 7th grade) and there is no language and/or graphic content in any way. There is plenty of representation going on (Hadley, the MC suffers from a degenerative eye condition that has left her legally blind at this point, but her eyesight will continue to get worse, and Beth, Hadley's sister, is openly lesbian and dates a female with no real bearing on the plot, in a good way). Highly recommend this one.
Hadley's not having a great summer. She is forced to move in with her sister after her mom is sentenced to time in jail, and no matter how many times she tells people she's not a dog person, they just don't believe her. Beth, Hadley's sister, works as a dog trainer and is contracted out by the local rescue to train their dogs. One day, on a trip to work, Hadley goes inside and meets Lila, one of the rescue dogs. No one has been able to make any headway with Lila, but Hadley is able to coax her to the door and to get her to close enough to pet. With this as encouragement, Beth and the other director decide to have Hadley foster Lila that summer and work on her training. Once they get home, Hadley realizes that if Lila is going to work hard that summer, maybe she should look into the mobility classes Beth keeps suggesting. And look into learning to use a cane. And getting out of the house before noon each day. As the summer goes on, both Lila and Hadley have a lot to learn, both about themselves and about forgiveness.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy realistic fiction and for all of the kids out there who come in and ask for "dog books." :)
This book came to the Scholastic Book Fair this spring, and I was excited to be able to get a copy of it online to preview as it was a pretty popular choice with my kids this spring. I was very impressed with the storyline. This is a SOLIDLY middle grade novel (the MC is 12 and getting ready to go into 7th grade) and there is no language and/or graphic content in any way. There is plenty of representation going on (Hadley, the MC suffers from a degenerative eye condition that has left her legally blind at this point, but her eyesight will continue to get worse, and Beth, Hadley's sister, is openly lesbian and dates a female with no real bearing on the plot, in a good way). Highly recommend this one.
Hadley's not having a great summer. She is forced to move in with her sister after her mom is sentenced to time in jail, and no matter how many times she tells people she's not a dog person, they just don't believe her. Beth, Hadley's sister, works as a dog trainer and is contracted out by the local rescue to train their dogs. One day, on a trip to work, Hadley goes inside and meets Lila, one of the rescue dogs. No one has been able to make any headway with Lila, but Hadley is able to coax her to the door and to get her to close enough to pet. With this as encouragement, Beth and the other director decide to have Hadley foster Lila that summer and work on her training. Once they get home, Hadley realizes that if Lila is going to work hard that summer, maybe she should look into the mobility classes Beth keeps suggesting. And look into learning to use a cane. And getting out of the house before noon each day. As the summer goes on, both Lila and Hadley have a lot to learn, both about themselves and about forgiveness.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy realistic fiction and for all of the kids out there who come in and ask for "dog books." :)
May 5, 2020
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The main reason I really enjoyed this story was because of its focus on dogs. I love dogs, and I loved Lila in the story. The pit-bull is cute and seems to understand Hadley’s needs as well. Hadley and Lila seem to complement each other, and help each other out during their darkest hours. I really liked the supporting characters as well like Beth and Shelby. Moreover, I thought the book ended really well on what happens to Lila. It was not what I was expecting, but I admire the author for making it realistic. The story also touches on how hard it is to forgive someone and how you have to be the better person to take the first step towards accepting it. I also liked the side romance between Beth and Vanessa.
However, I had quite a few problems with the story. The first being Hadley’s personality. I can understand why she is angry and frustrated. But she seems to consistently take it out on everyone throughout the book without any progress. She seems to lighten up a little towards the end, but it really did not make me like her any more. Secondly, I wasn’t really clear on how well Hadley could see. Although the author provides an overview of Hadley’s condition, I couldn’t visualize how well she was able to see while reading. In some scenes it looks like she has difficulty seeing anything, but in others she can see her cell phone to take selfies. Thirdly, I thought the author excessively used language like ‘aint’ and ‘ya’ll’ which was not necessary and frustrating at times.
Overall, I would have enjoyed this book had Hadley been more likable. But it is a nice story to read if you love dogs.
April 1, 2022
Lila and Hadley is a really well-written story. It tells us the story of a young girl named Hadley who is going through some massive Life Changes. Along the way Hadley connects with a dog named Lila. The story begins with this connection.
I found it hard at times to like Hadley. She could be rude and insufferable at points. She had every right to be the way that she was because her life has been turned upside down. Her mother is sent to jail, Hadley herself is sent to live with her sister, she's going blind and she's had to leave behind her friends and home. The way that she is dealing with all of this is by being stubborn. I had a hard time at points, being an adult myself and being frustrated by her attitude, but I could see why she would feel this way.
One of the highlights of this book, is Lila and Hadley's connection. They both are dealing with their own traumas. But it's highly satisfying to see how they both grow and change each other. Another thing that I really liked, was that we have descriptions about Hadley's retinosis pigmenta, causing her vision to fail and making her legally blind. It was good to have a character that represents a disability like blindness. The author has Hadley explain a lot about how she sees, and she learns to use a cane. And the other highlight that I found, was that Hadley's older sister Beth, is a lesbian! I thought that this was a really great touch, and it really endeared me to Beth, who works very hard to bring happiness to Hadley. It was touching to see how much she loves her, despite Hadley's resistance at first.
I highly recommend this book. It touches upon finding connection, navigating tough times in your life, blindness, and dog fostering. I would have given this a higher rating, if the ending has been a little different, but I will let you read this yourself as I don't want to give away the ending.
I found it hard at times to like Hadley. She could be rude and insufferable at points. She had every right to be the way that she was because her life has been turned upside down. Her mother is sent to jail, Hadley herself is sent to live with her sister, she's going blind and she's had to leave behind her friends and home. The way that she is dealing with all of this is by being stubborn. I had a hard time at points, being an adult myself and being frustrated by her attitude, but I could see why she would feel this way.
One of the highlights of this book, is Lila and Hadley's connection. They both are dealing with their own traumas. But it's highly satisfying to see how they both grow and change each other. Another thing that I really liked, was that we have descriptions about Hadley's retinosis pigmenta, causing her vision to fail and making her legally blind. It was good to have a character that represents a disability like blindness. The author has Hadley explain a lot about how she sees, and she learns to use a cane. And the other highlight that I found, was that Hadley's older sister Beth, is a lesbian! I thought that this was a really great touch, and it really endeared me to Beth, who works very hard to bring happiness to Hadley. It was touching to see how much she loves her, despite Hadley's resistance at first.
I highly recommend this book. It touches upon finding connection, navigating tough times in your life, blindness, and dog fostering. I would have given this a higher rating, if the ending has been a little different, but I will let you read this yourself as I don't want to give away the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2023
Kody Keplinger writing something not completely terrible?? I can't believe it either, but it's true. Pit bulls are one of the least cute dog breeds to me, but I still found Lila completely charming (the cover photo helped). I enjoyed pretty much every scene with the title characters together, as well as her budding friendship with a new girl and her dog in the neighborhood.
Hadley alone, not so much. I get her anger -- her sister had an extremely dumb reason for going no-contact with them, and having to struggle with vision loss and learning to use a cane/otherwise prepare for navigating a world with little to no sight is terribly and unfairly difficult, especially at such a young age -- but that's no excuse for such poor grammar. And I stopped caring about the sister as soon as she got pathetic and giggly about her crush on her boss transitioning into a Real Date, anyway.
*Beth's reason for leaving: she was constantly fighting with their mom -- it's not explained what about, so I'll just assume she was a standard idiot teen like the ones in Keplinger's YA novels -- and the night before she moved out she said a Terrible Thing: "I wish you had died instead of Dad." She was then so ashamed of herself that she...inexplicably didn't pick up the phone when her mom called, until mom finally gave up and stopped calling? YOU DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO MAKE THE FIRST MOVE, WTF. Also I'm still irrationally annoyed at her for moving out at age 19 in the first place; why are you wasting money on two rents already instead of pooling your financial resources at least until the youngest can get a part-time job.
Hadley alone, not so much. I get her anger -- her sister had an extremely dumb reason for going no-contact with them, and having to struggle with vision loss and learning to use a cane/otherwise prepare for navigating a world with little to no sight is terribly and unfairly difficult, especially at such a young age -- but that's no excuse for such poor grammar. And I stopped caring about the sister as soon as she got pathetic and giggly about her crush on her boss transitioning into a Real Date, anyway.
*Beth's reason for leaving: she was constantly fighting with their mom -- it's not explained what about, so I'll just assume she was a standard idiot teen like the ones in Keplinger's YA novels -- and the night before she moved out she said a Terrible Thing: "I wish you had died instead of Dad." She was then so ashamed of herself that she...inexplicably didn't pick up the phone when her mom called, until mom finally gave up and stopped calling? YOU DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO MAKE THE FIRST MOVE, WTF. Also I'm still irrationally annoyed at her for moving out at age 19 in the first place; why are you wasting money on two rents already instead of pooling your financial resources at least until the youngest can get a part-time job.
August 18, 2020
Hadley has a right to be angry. Her mom is going to jail for stealing money from her boss, so Hadley has to live with the sister she hasn't seen in three years. To make matters worse, her vision is failing due to retinitis pigmentosa, a condition meaning she will eventually become legally blind. Depressed and angry that her life is spinning out of control, Hadley reluctantly visits the animal shelter where her sister works. Despite not being a “dog-person,” she is surprised when Lila the pitbull takes a liking to her. Since she has no other plans during summer break, Hadley begrudgingly agrees to help foster and train the dog. While Hadley helps Lila, the dog also helps her with mobility training, lessons Hadley takes to learn how to use a cane, and meet a new friend. Together, the pair slowly become comfortable enough for Lila to find her forever home and Hadley to forgive her family for their faults and accept the help and love she needs.
THOUGHTS: A cute but predictable novel that young middle grade students will enjoy, especially animal lovers. The narrator’s casual language and the easy ending may be off putting to some readers but the book will be a good addition to an upper elementary or middle grade collection needing diverse stories.
THOUGHTS: A cute but predictable novel that young middle grade students will enjoy, especially animal lovers. The narrator’s casual language and the easy ending may be off putting to some readers but the book will be a good addition to an upper elementary or middle grade collection needing diverse stories.
April 5, 2022
I love this book so much! I have reread this book so many times and completely loved it each time!
Hadley is a young girl who has suffered much in her lifetime. She is going blind, and her mother is now in jail for stealing, she now has to go live with her 24 year old sister, Beth, who she hasn't seen since she was 9. Her sister lives a few hours away from Hadley, so Hadley must leave her best friends, and she must leave her school, and get ready to begin a new school, with new kids, and a new life.
Her older sister, Beth, volunteers at an animal shelter, and there Hadley meets a pitbull dog who isn't interesting in people- much like her. Her name is Lila. They decide to foster Lila, and Hadley makes a deal with Lila: Lila will behave so she can be adopted and not put down, and Hadley will learn how to use a cane for her mobile disability.
Hadley is finally feeling settled-ish in her life with Lila, and her older sister, and her maybe? friend when another plot twist happens.
I love this book, and would sell my soul to read it again for the first time. Love it will all my heart! <3
Thanks for listening to me ramble on and on about this book. Hope you enjoy!,
Paige :)
Hadley is a young girl who has suffered much in her lifetime. She is going blind, and her mother is now in jail for stealing, she now has to go live with her 24 year old sister, Beth, who she hasn't seen since she was 9. Her sister lives a few hours away from Hadley, so Hadley must leave her best friends, and she must leave her school, and get ready to begin a new school, with new kids, and a new life.
Her older sister, Beth, volunteers at an animal shelter, and there Hadley meets a pitbull dog who isn't interesting in people- much like her. Her name is Lila. They decide to foster Lila, and Hadley makes a deal with Lila: Lila will behave so she can be adopted and not put down, and Hadley will learn how to use a cane for her mobile disability.
Hadley is finally feeling settled-ish in her life with Lila, and her older sister, and her maybe? friend when another plot twist happens.
I love this book, and would sell my soul to read it again for the first time. Love it will all my heart! <3
Thanks for listening to me ramble on and on about this book. Hope you enjoy!,
Paige :)
March 14, 2020
Hadley is one angry tween! If having her mom go to jail isn't bad enough, she has to move to Kentucky and live with her big sister who she hasn't seen in years. And if that wasn't bad enough, she's going blind from Retinopathy Pigmentosa. Her sister Beth is a dog trainer and works at a rescue shelter. Beth notices Hadley petting Lila, a pitbull that has been completely unresponsive to anyone else. Beth suggests Hadley foster Lila and see if Lila will warm up to people so she can be adopted. Hadley hates everyone and everything about her new life and at first she doesn't want anything to do with a dog. But there's something so sad about Lila that Hadley agrees. The girl and the dog form a bond of unhappiness that actually helps both of them to slowly come to terms with their situation.
Can Hadley forgive her mom for committing a crime and going to jail? Can Hadley forgive her sister Beth for running away from the family? Can she forgive the universe for making her go blind?
Touching story about the power of love and the difficulty of forgiveness. I recommend for ages 12 and up.
Can Hadley forgive her mom for committing a crime and going to jail? Can Hadley forgive her sister Beth for running away from the family? Can she forgive the universe for making her go blind?
Touching story about the power of love and the difficulty of forgiveness. I recommend for ages 12 and up.
April 7, 2020
Happy book birthday to Lila and Hadley by @kodykeplinger! The book comes out TODAY, 4/7/2020, from @scholasticinc. Thank you to the publisher and @kidlitexchange for sharing an ARC.
This is a great book about family struggles, coming out of your shell, and includes realistic portrayal of disabilities you don’t often see addressed in fiction. It’s an #ownvoices book, and you need to read it. —-
Once Hadley’s mom is arrested, Hadley is sent across state lines to live with her older sister, Beth. Their relationship is strained because Beth left years ago and Hadley never understood why - she just felt abandoned. Add to the mix Beth being a dog trainer and Hadley not being a dog person, but stuck spending time in the animal shelter anyway.
When Lila, a hard-to-reach dog begins interacting with Hadley, she lets herself be convinced to foster and train the dog for the summer. She seems a lot of similarities between herself and the stubborn dog, but agrees to make an effort of Lila does. That includes acknowledging her declining vision and taking mobility classes, as well as putting herself out there to make friends.
This is a great book about family struggles, coming out of your shell, and includes realistic portrayal of disabilities you don’t often see addressed in fiction. It’s an #ownvoices book, and you need to read it. —-
Once Hadley’s mom is arrested, Hadley is sent across state lines to live with her older sister, Beth. Their relationship is strained because Beth left years ago and Hadley never understood why - she just felt abandoned. Add to the mix Beth being a dog trainer and Hadley not being a dog person, but stuck spending time in the animal shelter anyway.
When Lila, a hard-to-reach dog begins interacting with Hadley, she lets herself be convinced to foster and train the dog for the summer. She seems a lot of similarities between herself and the stubborn dog, but agrees to make an effort of Lila does. That includes acknowledging her declining vision and taking mobility classes, as well as putting herself out there to make friends.
July 25, 2020
3.5 STARS
Oh I was pleasantly surprised by this book and I had a great time with it.
First, I learned a lot about blind people. In the story the main character is losing her aight and she has mobility lessons on how to use a cane, memorize paths to take, relate on sounds, etc. It was very informative, I had no clue there was so much to know and it was just really well done. I'm always interested in books with blind characters and this one was particularly emotional.
I also learned more about how rescue places work and a lot about training dogs. As a dog mom, I was very sensitive to this, and it made me want to adopt every dog in need of a home.
The story was well built, the characters were nicely fleshed out, it felt real and accurate. I liked the relationships between sisters. And I was both surprised and devastated by the ending. It made me want to cry a little bit.
Overall, I had a good time reading this. It lacked of something, maybe laughing out loud moments, and it would have been a 4 or 5 stars for me. But I would definitely recommend it for 10yo and above. It's a great introduction to another culture and learning responsibilities towards pets!
Oh I was pleasantly surprised by this book and I had a great time with it.
First, I learned a lot about blind people. In the story the main character is losing her aight and she has mobility lessons on how to use a cane, memorize paths to take, relate on sounds, etc. It was very informative, I had no clue there was so much to know and it was just really well done. I'm always interested in books with blind characters and this one was particularly emotional.
I also learned more about how rescue places work and a lot about training dogs. As a dog mom, I was very sensitive to this, and it made me want to adopt every dog in need of a home.
The story was well built, the characters were nicely fleshed out, it felt real and accurate. I liked the relationships between sisters. And I was both surprised and devastated by the ending. It made me want to cry a little bit.
Overall, I had a good time reading this. It lacked of something, maybe laughing out loud moments, and it would have been a 4 or 5 stars for me. But I would definitely recommend it for 10yo and above. It's a great introduction to another culture and learning responsibilities towards pets!
February 25, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for LILA AND HADLEY by @kodykeplinger — my students are going to adore this book. Thanks to @scholasticinc for the free book to share with @kidlitexchange .
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Lazy, cute dog named Lila meets visually impaired Hadley. Hadley is not a dog person and she’s angry w her mom who is in jail. Lila is not a friendly dog and is currently unadoptable at her local shelter. It’s basically a meet-cute dog-human romance. ❤️ .
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Perfect for grades 3-7. This one will be an easy sell!
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
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Lazy, cute dog named Lila meets visually impaired Hadley. Hadley is not a dog person and she’s angry w her mom who is in jail. Lila is not a friendly dog and is currently unadoptable at her local shelter. It’s basically a meet-cute dog-human romance. ❤️ .
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Perfect for grades 3-7. This one will be an easy sell!
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
April 9, 2020
I received this as an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Hadley is going to live with her sister while her mother is being sent to prison. Hadley is mad at her mom for doing bad things and she is mad at her sister, who abandoned her years ago and never looked back. Hadley's sister works with the local animal shelter training dogs and when Hadley is approached by a timid rescue, Lila, she is tasked with training Lila so that she can be adopted. Hadley and Lila are having trouble adjusting to their new lives. It becomes more difficult for Hadley as she continues to lose her sight. Hadley takes classes to learn how to navigate the world better as her sight decreases. In a pact with Lila, the two will "train" together.
This novel was super sweet. I loved both of the main characters and just wanted to hug them. This is a perfect middle grade novel. Keplinger has shown that she has chops in the children's section.
Hadley is going to live with her sister while her mother is being sent to prison. Hadley is mad at her mom for doing bad things and she is mad at her sister, who abandoned her years ago and never looked back. Hadley's sister works with the local animal shelter training dogs and when Hadley is approached by a timid rescue, Lila, she is tasked with training Lila so that she can be adopted. Hadley and Lila are having trouble adjusting to their new lives. It becomes more difficult for Hadley as she continues to lose her sight. Hadley takes classes to learn how to navigate the world better as her sight decreases. In a pact with Lila, the two will "train" together.
This novel was super sweet. I loved both of the main characters and just wanted to hug them. This is a perfect middle grade novel. Keplinger has shown that she has chops in the children's section.
July 18, 2020
"A lot of things would be different if is wasn't for Lila."
Hadley is hurt and angry. Her mother has been put in jail for embezzling and she has to go and live with her sister, Beth, in another state. This is a sister Hadley hasn't seen or heard from in over five years. She's been torn away from her best friends, Joey and Maya, and they don't even really know why. To make things more difficult, Hadley as retinitis pigmentosa, which means she is slowly losing her eyesight and will be legally blind one day. Hadley can't forgive her mother for what she has done and refuses to take phone calls from her or answer any letters. And she has a lot of pent up hostility toward Beth, who Hadley feels deserted her. Finally, Hadley doesn't want to have anything to do with the orientation and mobility training that she needs to help her deal with her oncoming loss of sight.
And then one day, Hadley meets Lila, a pit bull that is at a shelter. The dog refuses to interact with any people, not even Beth, who is a dog trainer by profession. Lila is distant and sad. Sound like anyone we know? But for some reason, Lila seems to respond to Hadley. "Maybe I ain't a dog person, but it sure sounds like Lila ain't a people dog, neither. For some reason, though, we'd reached out to each other." And suddenly, Hadley has been given the challenge of training Lila, to socialize her enough that she can get adopted.
Lila is stubborn, but so is Hadley and they both lack the ability to trust others. In other words, they seem to understand one another. So Hadley makes a deal with Lila. If Lila will work with Hadley, Hadley will begin her own training in mobility. "And then we'll both get to suffer through our own different types of training together." And slowly, things begin to change.
Ultimately, this is a story about the ability to forgive the ones we love for mistakes that they have made and to be strong enough to accept help when it is needed. When Hadley meets Shelby, she begins to understand that not everyone is an enemy and maybe it's okay to be a little vulnerable. I think this will be a popular one with 4 graders and up.
Hadley is hurt and angry. Her mother has been put in jail for embezzling and she has to go and live with her sister, Beth, in another state. This is a sister Hadley hasn't seen or heard from in over five years. She's been torn away from her best friends, Joey and Maya, and they don't even really know why. To make things more difficult, Hadley as retinitis pigmentosa, which means she is slowly losing her eyesight and will be legally blind one day. Hadley can't forgive her mother for what she has done and refuses to take phone calls from her or answer any letters. And she has a lot of pent up hostility toward Beth, who Hadley feels deserted her. Finally, Hadley doesn't want to have anything to do with the orientation and mobility training that she needs to help her deal with her oncoming loss of sight.
And then one day, Hadley meets Lila, a pit bull that is at a shelter. The dog refuses to interact with any people, not even Beth, who is a dog trainer by profession. Lila is distant and sad. Sound like anyone we know? But for some reason, Lila seems to respond to Hadley. "Maybe I ain't a dog person, but it sure sounds like Lila ain't a people dog, neither. For some reason, though, we'd reached out to each other." And suddenly, Hadley has been given the challenge of training Lila, to socialize her enough that she can get adopted.
Lila is stubborn, but so is Hadley and they both lack the ability to trust others. In other words, they seem to understand one another. So Hadley makes a deal with Lila. If Lila will work with Hadley, Hadley will begin her own training in mobility. "And then we'll both get to suffer through our own different types of training together." And slowly, things begin to change.
Ultimately, this is a story about the ability to forgive the ones we love for mistakes that they have made and to be strong enough to accept help when it is needed. When Hadley meets Shelby, she begins to understand that not everyone is an enemy and maybe it's okay to be a little vulnerable. I think this will be a popular one with 4 graders and up.
March 26, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!!
Hadley is a 12 yr old girl losing her vision and dealing with some family troubles. When she moves to Kentucky to live with her sister, she meets Lila, the pitbull who is in need of love.
Through training Lila, Hadley learns to face her own challenges and finds her sense of belonging.
The book explores themes of friendship, family, personal growth making it an inspiring read for both kids and adults
Notes-
Hadley is losing her vision due to retinitis pigmentosa
Hadley's mother is in jail and Hadley has to adjust to living with her sister.
Hadley experiences a lot of anger and emotion due to the circumstances.
This includes moments of frustration and lashing out.
Lila the pitbull is abandoned and initially depressed. The book addresses animal rescue and the effect of neglect on pets.
Hadley's older sister is in a relationship with Vanessa who is the owner of the dog rescue where beth works at
Hadley is a 12 yr old girl losing her vision and dealing with some family troubles. When she moves to Kentucky to live with her sister, she meets Lila, the pitbull who is in need of love.
Through training Lila, Hadley learns to face her own challenges and finds her sense of belonging.
The book explores themes of friendship, family, personal growth making it an inspiring read for both kids and adults
Notes-
Hadley is losing her vision due to retinitis pigmentosa
Hadley's mother is in jail and Hadley has to adjust to living with her sister.
Hadley experiences a lot of anger and emotion due to the circumstances.
This includes moments of frustration and lashing out.
Lila the pitbull is abandoned and initially depressed. The book addresses animal rescue and the effect of neglect on pets.
Hadley's older sister is in a relationship with Vanessa who is the owner of the dog rescue where beth works at
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