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The Underdogs #1
The Underdogs
* Duration: 1 hour and 14 minutes *
From the writer of the. best-selling 'Dragon Masters' series comes a high-energy series about dogs who learn that being yourself is much more fun than being Best in Show.
Welcome the town of Barksdale, where the canine residents strive for perfection. Every shopkeeper claims to be the "best groomer" or sell the "best biscuits." And at Barksdale Academy, the pressure is on every year for one pup to be named Best in Show.
Nova, Duke, Harley, and Peanut have never won Best in Show... which is okay with them! But they have to work together to pass their Agility Exam, because either the whole pack passes or the whole pack fails.
Nova has convinced her pals to train, but on her practice course, Duke is afraid to climb the high ramp. Harley keeps chasing squirrels, and Peanut can't make it through the hoops. Nova's not doing much better - she's so excited she keeps knocking the whole course over!
Will the pups make the grade, or are they doomed to be Underdogs forever?
©2021 Scholastic Inc (P)2021 Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
From the writer of the. best-selling 'Dragon Masters' series comes a high-energy series about dogs who learn that being yourself is much more fun than being Best in Show.
Welcome the town of Barksdale, where the canine residents strive for perfection. Every shopkeeper claims to be the "best groomer" or sell the "best biscuits." And at Barksdale Academy, the pressure is on every year for one pup to be named Best in Show.
Nova, Duke, Harley, and Peanut have never won Best in Show... which is okay with them! But they have to work together to pass their Agility Exam, because either the whole pack passes or the whole pack fails.
Nova has convinced her pals to train, but on her practice course, Duke is afraid to climb the high ramp. Harley keeps chasing squirrels, and Peanut can't make it through the hoops. Nova's not doing much better - she's so excited she keeps knocking the whole course over!
Will the pups make the grade, or are they doomed to be Underdogs forever?
©2021 Scholastic Inc (P)2021 Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
1 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 5, 2021
15 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Tracey West
723 books540 followersTracey West is the New York Times bestselling author of Dragon Masters, a series in the Scholastic Branches line. She has written more than 400 books for kids, including the Pixie Tricks series and the Underdogs series with Kyla May.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 30, 2021
So adorable! Cute story, lovable characters, and heartwarming message. Even though they may not be as skilled as the rest of the dogs, they can only do what they can do...which is to be the best that they can be!
This book is also available on Overdrive/Libby, as a downloadable audiobook.
Recommended for grades 2nd - 3rd. Lexile Level: 600
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
This book is also available on Overdrive/Libby, as a downloadable audiobook.
Recommended for grades 2nd - 3rd. Lexile Level: 600
Reviewed by Christine Hwang, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
June 1, 2023
Funny!
January 23, 2024
Silly story about a group of “underdogs” gearing up for the annual dog show event that they’ve never won. On the surface there’s some messages thrown in about being happy with yourself, not giving up, and helping friends that kids will connect with. But there are also some dark, maybe unintentionally so?, parts that gave me the ick.
1) this group is teased constantly by all the other dogs and there’s never any pushback or solution. They do it in front of the teachers and some of the adults even say very unkind things too.
2) this group clearly have disabilities, and it’s even named how they’re the runts of their litters and statistically will always fail and that’s just that. They complain how the test never accommodates dogs like them and how sad that is. While the other dogs don’t seem to mind, Nova is very clearly distressed by her clumsiness and the best advice she receives is to just accept it. When Nova figures out very small accommodations that allow the dogs to each finish and barely pass the teachers respond by not only removing points for those accommodations but also by disqualifying their star friend who dared to help them. Yet there is a dog who openly uses a wheelchair and that accommodation is totally fine and allows him to be best in show?
The story feels like a critique of the societal treatment of those with more “invisible” disabilities. That is great and I think that discussion is important, even in children’s lit. But there’s absolutely no changes and it ends with the characters happy they succeeded despite being punished for their very slight advocacy and feels very bleak from this adult’s perspective. I also wish their was stronger role models who supported and advocated.
WLA Otter nominee 2024
1) this group is teased constantly by all the other dogs and there’s never any pushback or solution. They do it in front of the teachers and some of the adults even say very unkind things too.
2) this group clearly have disabilities, and it’s even named how they’re the runts of their litters and statistically will always fail and that’s just that. They complain how the test never accommodates dogs like them and how sad that is. While the other dogs don’t seem to mind, Nova is very clearly distressed by her clumsiness and the best advice she receives is to just accept it. When Nova figures out very small accommodations that allow the dogs to each finish and barely pass the teachers respond by not only removing points for those accommodations but also by disqualifying their star friend who dared to help them. Yet there is a dog who openly uses a wheelchair and that accommodation is totally fine and allows him to be best in show?
The story feels like a critique of the societal treatment of those with more “invisible” disabilities. That is great and I think that discussion is important, even in children’s lit. But there’s absolutely no changes and it ends with the characters happy they succeeded despite being punished for their very slight advocacy and feels very bleak from this adult’s perspective. I also wish their was stronger role models who supported and advocated.
WLA Otter nominee 2024
June 25, 2023
After failing to pass their K-9 agility tests 3 times, Nova is determined that her group of friends, unfortunately named the Underdogs, is going to pass this year. She tries to get them all to practice, but she struggles with coordination, Harley is distracted by squirrels, Duke is scared of heights, and Peanut doesn't want to get dirty. After talking with her grandma, Nova comes up with a way that plays off each of the Underdogs' strengths. I really like the message that you don't need to be perfect at everything you do. While it's about dogs, it's super relatable to kids who struggle with the rigid tests and expectations in school. For fans of Life in the Doghouse and Home for Meow.
November 25, 2022
Great dog story about some pups who are having trouble passing the K-9 tests that would allow them to be Best in Show at the competitions. They feel like nothing is working and they continue to struggle with all of their challenges. Nova steps up to help the pup friends train for the upcoming tests. She never gives up and is a great example of persistence and perseverance in the face of defeat. Humorous dog quips throughout. Kids will love this series. Hilarious illustrations throughout. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.
November 14, 2023
A silly dog story, where one of the group of dogs who have never passed the dog agility test is bound and determined to do so this year. She is extremely clumsy, another is afraid of heights, another constantly gets distracted by squirrels and the last hates getting dirty. Are they doomed? And what does "success" look like for them?
October 12, 2022
The 4 Underdogs always live up to their nick name. They can't seem to overcome their quirks and pass their K-9agility test. It might happen all over again this year, but Nova comes up with a plan. Will Harley be able to stop barking at squirrels? Is Duke ever going to lose his fear of heights? Read Ruff and Ready by Tracey West to find out. This is a first book in a series called Underdogs, for kids age 7 - 9. Atos RL 3.7.
September 24, 2023
My daughter got this as a $2 book from the school book fair. She enjoyed it very much, so I read it as well. It is such a cute book, and I feel like he really teaches a good life lesson. Both my daughter and I are looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
January 16, 2024
My 6 year old daughter rated it a 5. I rated it a 3, but I think I would have been higher if we had read the book and saw the illustrations. We listened to the book on Libby, and the story didn't have descriptions on each of the characters, so we had no idea what kind of dog was the character.
December 30, 2021
The kids will really like this one!
January 31, 2022
Read this with my 7 year old. She really liked it and is excited to get book 2.
March 11, 2022
C. fiction, children's fiction, grade 2, group of misfit dogs try their best; series (Underdogs #1)
May 23, 2022
I read this with my 6 year old, who thought it was really good. I thought it was just okay.
November 7, 2022
E ARC provided by Netgalley or Edelweiss
January 1, 2023
Read for potential nomination for a book selection committee. Great early chapter book featuring dogs you want to root for and a host of puns.
February 1, 2023
Very cute.
September 1, 2023
The Underdogs is a great story about not giving up when the going gets tough! It is a great reminder that as long as we keep striving to be a better version of ourselves, perfection isn’t necessary!
December 2, 2025
Cute story for young readers
September 17, 2021
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
THE UNDERDOGS is a cute early chapter book read about friendship, being true to yourself, and embracing who you are. Nova and her friends are determined to pass this year's K-1 exams, which they have consistently failed in the past, a test of agility and where someone is crowned with the honor of Best in Show. Nova wants her friends to practice hard and come through with a win, even if it seems like a longshot. As she gets caught up in the trying and failing, she learns lessons about doing your best and celebrating yourself for who you are.
What I loved: This was a simple and adorable early chapter book read. The plot has some great lessons about friendship, supporting others, trying your best, and celebrating yourself for your personal achievements. These pups are super-cute and each has their own fun personality, coming to life in this sweet story. This would work well for children who are just beginning to read chapter books, with large font, large illustrations on each page, and a great length. This would also be a fun read to share at bedtime. Between the adorable illustrations and relatable pups, this is a read everyone can enjoy.
What left me wanting more: As a super small point, there were a couple of things for humor that might need additional context/iteration for younger readers, such as a dog eating flies and calling them raisins, with the disclaimer for kids that this is not at all the case and do not try it please.
Final verdict: THE UNDERDOGS is a charming and sweet early chapter book read about friendship and embracing yourself as you are.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
THE UNDERDOGS is a cute early chapter book read about friendship, being true to yourself, and embracing who you are. Nova and her friends are determined to pass this year's K-1 exams, which they have consistently failed in the past, a test of agility and where someone is crowned with the honor of Best in Show. Nova wants her friends to practice hard and come through with a win, even if it seems like a longshot. As she gets caught up in the trying and failing, she learns lessons about doing your best and celebrating yourself for who you are.
What I loved: This was a simple and adorable early chapter book read. The plot has some great lessons about friendship, supporting others, trying your best, and celebrating yourself for your personal achievements. These pups are super-cute and each has their own fun personality, coming to life in this sweet story. This would work well for children who are just beginning to read chapter books, with large font, large illustrations on each page, and a great length. This would also be a fun read to share at bedtime. Between the adorable illustrations and relatable pups, this is a read everyone can enjoy.
What left me wanting more: As a super small point, there were a couple of things for humor that might need additional context/iteration for younger readers, such as a dog eating flies and calling them raisins, with the disclaimer for kids that this is not at all the case and do not try it please.
Final verdict: THE UNDERDOGS is a charming and sweet early chapter book read about friendship and embracing yourself as you are.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Want to read
March 25, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
October 14, 2021
Fun audiobook to listen to with a great message for kids. 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews