From the author of A Dog Called Homeless, winner of the Schneider Family Book Award, comes an action-filled adventure about friendship, imagination, and what it means to be a hero, perfect for fans of classic dog and friendship stories like Because of Winn-Dixie and Shiloh.

The short length makes Hero a great pick for reluctant readers and readers who have just graduated from chapter books, but its themes of bullying and finding courage to stand up for what's right mean the story is meaty enough for more advanced readers, too.

Leo is invincible when he's pretending to be a gladiator in his imagination, but in real life, he struggles to make friends-unless you count his neighbor's little dog, Jack Pepper. So Leo is thrilled when the cool kids invite him to hang out, even though they sometimes pressure him to do mean things.

When Leo accidentally does something that makes the whole town think he's a hero, he rolls with it-it feels nice to be celebrated, even if it's a lie. But when Jack Pepper needs Leo's help, can Leo find it in himself to be a genuine hero?

• A Classic Dog Story: Fans of books like Because of Winn-Dixie and Shiloh will love the powerful bond between a lonely boy and Jack Pepper, the small, loyal dog who needs a true hero.
• Finding Courage: In his imagination, Leo is a fearless gladiator. But when faced with real-life bullies and tough choices, he must discover what it truly means to be brave.
• A Powerful Moral Dilemma: After a lie makes the whole town see him as a hero, Leo loves the attention. But living with the secret becomes harder than telling the truth, especially when his new reputation is put to the test.
• Perfect for Reluctant Readers: With a fast-paced plot and accessible writing, this action-filled adventure is an ideal choice for middle grade readers who have just graduated from chapter books.