The PS Brothers

by Maribeth Boelts

Russell and Shawn call themselves the PS P is for poop, S is for scoop, and Brothers is because they’re best friends. Scooping poop is the fastest way to earn money to buy a puppy. These two are crazy about dogs. And they’re sure that once their puppy grows into a tough dog, no one will ever pick on them for being weak or poor again. Unfortunately, getting a puppy is not that easy. Russell and Shawn don’t count on uncovering a dog-fighting ring—and that can bust apart a dream faster than a dog can sniff out a bone. But doing the right thing might still get them what they want—and maybe even more.

Genres: Friendship, Dogs, Animals, Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

137 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Maribeth Boelts is a former teacher who has written 40 books for children. She lives in Iowa and enjoys all things nature and family.

Reviews

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rare book that I actually wish was longer. At only 137 pages, the feel-good ending is too abrupt and leaves some big questions unanswered (what happens to the Rottweiler puppies?). The cover also makes the book look like it will be a fun, jokey story of two boys who scoop dog poop to earn the money to buy a dog, which it is, but it's more than that since the boys are really poor (one has a dead mom and a dad in jail) and the guy they want to buy the dog from is running a dog-fighting ring. I really did like this; I just wish it was more substantial.

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The PS Brothers
Author: Maribeth Boelts
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Copyright: 2010
Number of pages: 137
Genre: Fiction
Grade(s): 3-5
Lexile level: 810L
Guided Reading level: N
Summary: The tale of two boys who are left to pretty much fend for themselves. Growing up in a rough neighborhood and extreme times of hardness, two best friends yearn for a dog of their own to protect them. They come across a man named Nick who just happens to have a whole litter of Rottweiler puppies. The two friends figure out a way to earn enough money to buy one of their dream dogs, starting their own business, PS Brothers. Working with Nick, the two friends realize there is something not right about him and the types of activities that go on in his shed. The two friends have to decide to make the right decision or a decision that will support what they have wanted for so long.
Teaching Ideas: Shawn and Russell ultimately make the right decision at the end of the story, but what if they hadn’t? What if they chose to fall into the cycle of which they currently live? I would encourage the students to rewrite an alternate ending, the one they perhaps thought was going to happen, or what could have happened if the boys did not make the right choice (W.5.3). What would have happened if Russell and Shawn did not make the right decision? The text is crafted in a very peculiar way, I would encourage the writer’s at hand to model the same kind of language used by the author, to keep it authentic.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ever see a book and think it's an absolutely brilliant premise, and set your expectations really high, just to find out that the book takes a really weird turn and ends up being the last thing you ever wanted to read?

Welcome to The PS Brothers.

It's the story of two kids who really want a dog, so they find someone who's selling puppies. How will they get the money? By scooping poop. Too bad that the guy who's selling the dogs is running a dogfighting ring.

Really? In a kiddie book?

There was a lot wrong with it, and, yeah, dogfighting is a reality for a lot of communities, I'm sure. That doesn't mean this book was the right one to address it, or did it properly to begin with. And a book with such potential and with such a cover going to such a dark place? Yikes.

Not a fan.

[Mr. Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book, my biggest issue with it is definitely how misleading the cover and jacket description is. I was expecting a light and fun read about two boys making money by picking up dog poop, which it was in parts. But it also dealt with serious issues such as bullying, poverty and (most disturbingly) dog fighting. I think those issues were dealt with tastefully and the two main characters are likable. However, I just wish the cover gave the reader a little better idea of what to expect.

At times, this book was a combination of the poverty stricken characters in Also Known as Harper and the dog fighting aspect of Dog Lost - and I liked it better than them both.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It started with a pooper-scooper."

Shawn and Russ have a lot to overcome and I like their spirit of "can do" and determination to try to make life a little better for themselves. This one touched my heart.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clever book that deals with serious issues such as bullying, poverty, and dogfighting. The ending was a little abrupt, but overall I think this is a great book.

[Nick Hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was okay

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at my schools library, thinking this would be a light hearted story of two boys. I was very mistaken and found out this was a great book about poopscooping, suspense, and puppies.

This book has a lot of hard lessons for children to read and I can see where this is a really good book for tweens to read. Lessons like how to work hard to get what you want, When to stand up for something thats right, when is the right time to ask for help from an adult, and friends that scoop together stay together!!

Some people probably have stories very similar to the PS brothers that happened to them very young as children. They were given a gift to be able to take care of dogs and understand them at a level regular people dont understand. They have grown into dog rescueers, trainers, vets. I am positive that alot of them read this book and cringe at how horrible the dogs have been treated. They know the horrors in real life and know how hard it is to walk into a room of maltreated and abused dogs that had the misfortune to be bred and born into a world so cruel.

The PS brothers are heros not just to the puppies in the book but to the children they inspire who read their story and want to go out into the world and do good just like them.

[Teresa Sambrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter (9 years old) was assigned this book in school. She read the first chapter which contained a lot of details in it and caused several discussions. I wasn't sure where this book was going so I look at a few reviews that said the book takes a dark turn. I decided to read the book on my own first, so I can see for myself. I loved this book. I fell in love with the characters. This book will introduce my daughter to topics she doesn't have deal with in her own life, but other children around her may. This book will cause a discussion. It doesn't go into deep details of these "dark turns" other reviewers describe. If she asks questions I can fill in as much as she's ready to know. But a book with a happy ending and that makes children think is a good book.

[Libby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Talks about church and some what of a christian feel to it. Happy ending but not really cause they don't resolve what happens to the rottweiler puppies and the other dogs at the shelter. They just offer up cute other puppies and the boys go for that without staying loyal to the dog they were going to buy. Overall, not a book I would recommend to anyone.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the cover fool you, this is a pretty heartwarming book, about 2 independent, dog-crazy boys who've been in a hard, hungry spot for a long time. Russell's dad is in prison and he's staying with an uncle. Sean's the youngest of 5. They manage to bust a dog-fighting ring, find a steady source of income, and find a path back to trusting their adults.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! One of my students read this and lent me his copy. At first I was a little skeptical. The cover and production quality is a little lacking. The writing is also developing. But, the story itself more than made up for those factors. This is now one my favorite books I read this year.

I loved the themes of working hard for what you want, sticking by and up for your friends, the reality of being the poor kid in school, and how the adults acted and showed responsibility throughout the story.

[Aden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ps brothers by Maribeth Boelts.Is about two very good friends Shawn and Rusell that make a poop scooping business.They do that to make money to buy a bike.When they get enogh money to buy a buy Shawn takes it and ride of.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have students in mind for this one. They're going to love it! This sweet story about friendship, family, and doing the right thing even when it's not easy reminded me a lot of Gary Schmidt's work (especially "Okay for Now").

[Emily Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great book for my reading groups. The funny idea of a poop scoop business draws them in, but the suspense about the dogs and the boys keeps them riveted. They love the ending too!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in order to do a read-aloud in the classroom. It was fun and enjoyable! I do not believe I would read it whole class but it's a great book to read with a struggling reader.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good book. Russell was my favorite character because he had some really cool ideas. My favorite part was when they started their business and earn $10.

[Bella.B · Rating 4 out of 5]

IT was pretty good but i felt like in the end they could have adopted the rescue dogs

[Lisa Westlund]

Great kids book about two friends trying to work to make enough money to buy a dog that will protect them from their bullies.

[Veronica Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I’m counting one of the books I read with my students. If it helps me towards my goal I’m counting it.

[Kelsey Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read The PS Brothers by Maribeth Boelts. Maribeth Boelts was inspired to write this book by by two young boys she met and her son. Her son wanted to earn money to buy a bike and starting his own poop scooping business. This book was published in 2010 by Lawrence Burns.
The PS Brothers start with two boys, Shawn and Russell. It all started with a pooper scooper Shawn bought for one dollar. Russel has read almost every book in the library about dogs. They are two 6th graders who must put up with a bully by the name of Terry. He had constantly messed with their belongings. They had hoped to get a dog that would help to protect them against the bullies. They soon find a sign that is selling Rottweiler’s. The dogs are being sold for $200. They need a way to raise money and fast. They find the right job for them, scooping poop. They earn money every day but will it be enough? They are hoping for a protective dog but will they get the dog they deserve?
I liked this book because of the hardships most 6th graders go thru. Most parents start to teach their kids that if they want something they have to earn it. It teaches children a good lesson about earning money for what they want. The story is told in great detail about Russell and Shawn’s experiences as their journey to earn money for a dog. They young children have a goal and want to achieve it. It takes a lot of work and desire to achieve what they are looking for.
It is a good book that I would greatly recommend for children ages nine to fourteen. It teaches children to be responsible and to not always ask for money from their parents. The boys knew they would not get money from their parents so they came up with their own plan. It teaches children to believe in their goals and accomplish them. No matter how hard the work they must work to their fullest potential to see if they are able to earn the money for the dog they want or not.

[Gtsalas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell and Sean are two brothers that want to start a pooping scooping business. They both go out to try and find a Rottweiler. They start to walk in an alley but no luck. As they almost get the end they see a sign that says Rottweilers for sale $200. As they start to run to the house it looks very freaky. They slowly went up the doorstep and rung the doorbell. A really freaky guy answered the door. Both of them shivered. He said to come in and they did. He seemed very nice though and that is why they came in. As they got in the guy went into his dishwasher and pulled out a knife. Russell said to put it down but he did not. He then took 4 swings with it and then Russell said again to put it down. He finally put it down. He heard a Rottweiler in the basement so he forgot he put the knife up to him and went to the basement very slowly as he got to the basement. He saw the Rottweiler and it was a momma Rottweiler. He got very scared and backed up the stairs. When he was backing up he tripped on something. He did not know if he was going to make it back alive. He did though. When he got back to his house he regret not taking that dog. It seemed like a perfect dog. They forgot about it and all that was on their mind was actually starting up a pooper scooper business. They went to the store and bought the supplies. When they got back home they were thinking about how much each scoop would cost. They decided that each scoop would be around 10 cents. They started their business and hope to succeed. I can connect to this book because I know many of my family members have gone through the same process that Shawn and Russell have. I chose this book because I read the back and it looked very interesting.

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shawn and Russ have a dream--a dream of a puppy. But puppies cost money, and money is something neither they nor their families have much of. They do, however, have a plan--a poop scooping (PS) business. They scoop dog poop out of people's lawns or in the dog park, charging by the dump. As they save up their money, they keep visiting Nick, who owns the puppies they want to buy. Something starts to seem fishy at Nick's place, though, and they wonder what they've gotten themselves into.

I would recommend this book to school-age readers who like a quick read, enjoy animals, or enjoy laughing about poop. The boys' poverty definitely impacts them and shapes their choices, but the book isn't condescending or preachy about it. They tend to be thankful for their relationships and what they do have. Shawn's family is close and large. Russ' mom is dead and his dad is in jail, so he's with his uncle--but he chooses to live in the camper in his uncle's yard instead of the house. Friendship and family are important theme, as is the end result of violence and revenge.

***spoiler alert ahead

Nick hosts pit bull fights in his garage. In the end, the boys get him busted by the police and end up in the hospital. Russ starts to reconcile with his uncle, especially once his uncle brings them to a farm to get them a puppy. The boys choose a sweet dog instead of the attack dog they had originally chosen when their goal was for the dog to get back at the school bullies.

The author is an Iowan. Also, the pace really picked up once they figured out about the pit bull fighting, so it may be worthwhile mentioning that when recommending it to a potential reader.

[Dan Gemeinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

AR: 4.8

Lexile: 810

Pages: 137

Genres: Animal, Dog, Friendship, Real Life

Imagine, reader: your dad's in jail and your mom's dead. You're living in a crappy trailer in your uncle's backyard, and he's really only half-interested in taking care of you. You do, though, have a great best friend. And you both want the same thing more than anything in the world: a dog. A big, mean dog that will stop people from picking on you and make you feel safe at night. Of course, you've got a problem - how are a couple of poor kids like you gonna get enough money to buy and feed a dog?

The PS Brothers by Maribeth Boelts is a fun, funny, heartbreaker of a story. The main characters - Shawn and Russell - come up with a money-making scheme: they'll scoop dog poop out of people's yards for cash (hence the "PS" - poop scoop). And they even find the perfect dog for sale - a Rottweiler puppy, sure to grow into the perfect fierce giant of a dog. But when they discover that the man selling the puppy might be involved in a horrible crime, all their plans are toast...and they just might be toast, too.

Poop! Criminals! Best friends! Police! More poop!

The PS Brothers is a quick read, and totally worth it. The author does an amazing job of blending together funny stuff, sad stuff, serious stuff, silly stuff, and scary stuff into one great story. Shawn and Russell's lives kinda suck - but they've got each other, and they've got a plan, and you can't help but root for them all the way. No poop on this scoop...The PS Brothers is totally a bestest book.

[Cinnamon · Rating 2 out of 5]

An alright book for 3-6 reluctant reader boys, although I didn't find it all that great. It was a quick read, but the action was pretty generic.

Russell and Shawn want a big dog that they can train to attack the kids that bully them. But neither has any money to afford and dog, and Russell doesn't think his uncle will ever get him a dog because his father has always said that the uncle doesn't like them. (Although, if the uncle doesn't like dogs, how Russell thinks he will agree to let him have one just because he didn't have to pay for it is a little flawed.) The two boys find a man selling Rottweiler puppies. They just have to come up with $200. The man is even willing to let them make payments on it. Now they need to come up with the money. The boys decide to go into the business of scooping poop for other people's dogs, and before long, they have their money. But Russell discovers that the man with the puppies is doing something illegal, and he must decide whether to ignore it and take his puppy or do the right thing.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell's mom is dead and his dad's in jail. He's living w/his uncle but he doesn't trust adults to care for him so he's living in the backyard in a trailer. Shawn's got both parents but they're struggling with his dad's illness, his mom's being the sole support of the family and a bunch of siblings. They wear thrift store clothes and are picked on by other kids. What they need is a dog--a scary dog!
When Shawn acquires a pooper scooper they go into business as the PS Brothers. But the man who owns the Rottweiler pup they're saving up for is not all on the up and up and the Brothers have to choose between what they want and what is right.
The boys are totally believable, and while things happen just as you'd expect them to, it's so well done that you don't care. Short and easy to read, this will be excellent for reluctant readers, especially boys who can empathize with the PS Brothers problems and dreams.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I found out what this book was about I just knew I had to read it. Right away I thought the boys had a lot of ingenuity coming up with the pooper-scooper scheme to earn enough money to buy a dog. I don't think I was disappointed either. Both characters, Russell and Shawn, had interesting lives. Russell's mother died and his father was in jail. He lived in a camper in his Uncle Cory's backyard. Shawn was the youngest of 6 brothers. His father had a chronic illness that prevented him from working and his mother had to work very hard to support the family. Kids at school sense their vulnerability and picked on them. Their friendship helped them to cope and they came up with this idea that a large dog would protect them from the school bullies and win them respect. Things don't turn out like they planned, but probably for the better.

[Brianna p]

My book is called the P.S brothers. This story has two boys and their names are Russell and Sean. These two boys really want a dog and they will do anything to get it .They wind up scooping dogs poop to get the money. I am just about in the middle of the book and it is pretty good so far. One part that I really liked about the book is how they always find a way to get out of trouble. This is quite interesting how they earn their money, but that is just my opinion. If I would have to recommend this book I would say that people who like the funny things and just a lot of humor. I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars.onr thing that I didn’t like about the book is that they are so badly told about themselves. For the age group I would do 10-12.And for all of the people who want to read it and I hope that u enjoy it as much as I do.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shawn and Russell aren't really brothers, though they are best friends, so they figure that's close enough. They really want a dog, specifically a mean one that would protect them from bullies. The boys don't have any money and their families are struggling to just get by, so they decide to find a way to earn $200 to buy a local Rottweiler puppy. Their answer is the PS Brothers, a pooper scooper business. As they deliver their earned money to the puppy owner in installments, they begin to realize that all is not right with the other Rottweilers that the man owns. The boys have to make a decision- pay the remaining money and get their puppy quietly or expose the man's illegal and horrible truth possibly resulting in no puppy to take home. A quick read and as the cover states "Friends who scoop together stay together."

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover and description of this book screams kid appeal, and I was excited for a lighthearted read. P.S. = Pooper Scooper....elementary age boys, come running! However, I was not prepared for how dark and sad this book is. The text does not jive with the cover or the title. Considering the text alone, it's a decent book. For the right kid, this book could help them work through some issues, realize they're not the only one in a tough situation, etc. But, I am concerned that the type of kid who will pick this book off the shelf will not be able to process the dark themes. 24 hours after putting the book down, some of the images described are still in my head. Even as an adult, it's not a good feeling.