In the third series entry, Harvey, the West Highland white terrier; his young owner, Maggie; and her friend Austin confront drama and heartbreak.Seventh grade pals Maggie and Austin, who volunteer at the Brayside Retirement Villa, meet Ms. Appleby, the facility's strict new assistant director. She imposes draconian rules governing, among other things, visits by dogs. Additionally, Maggie's dismayed she was overlooked for the lead in the school's production of Annie, the role she coveted; she's become the understudy instead. Besides that, Austin's unemployed mom can't afford his upcoming school trip. Brayside resident Mr. Kowalski faces the toughest struggle: His seriously ill wife has been hospitalized. Over time, he achieves emotional catharsis by recounting to sympathetic Austin some of his and Mrs. Kowalski's World War II experiences. Meanwhile, Maggie puts her role in the play into perspective and befriends and supports the talented lead. In brief chapters this warm novel delivers well-realized characters and underscores connections that bind: those between animals and humans and those that unite generations. It also offers up satisfying endings, though some feel rushed. Maggie and Austin are caring and morally centered; Mr. Kowalski's loving reminiscences are genuinely heart-tugging; and the Brayside residents are full of personality, even when handling physical challenges. Unfortunately, the novel missteps by frequently using the condescending term old people. Main characters default to White, but some names signal broader ethnic diversity.A solid, thought-provoking read that also includes light humor. (Fiction. 9-12)

Gr 4–6 —Harvey, a West Highland white terrier, loves to go with Maggie to the Brayside Retirement Villa. Maggie and her friend Austin visit with the residents, while Harvey provides comfort and companionship. Austin even helps with small maintenance jobs for the custodian who replaced his grandfather. Things become challenging when the new assistant director enacts strict safety protocols, including a list of rules that Harvey must follow when he visits. In addition to the growing awkwardness and unhappiness at the retirement home, Maggie struggles with her feelings of disappointment after being cast as understudy in her school's performance of Annie. Austin worries about obtaining the money required to go on a class trip while also trying to support Mr. Kowalski, who is upset about his hospitalized wife. Harvey's delightful antics wonderfully complement the good hearts of Maggie and Austin. With help from the residents of Brayside and their friends and family, Maggie and Austin just might find the answers to their difficulties. This feel-good story told from multiple points of view, including Harvey's, keeps readers engaged and interested. VERDICT A wonderful addition to libraries where Harvey's previous adventures, or dog stories in general, are popular.—Heidi Grange