Chester and Gus - by Cammie McGovern

About the Book

From the acclaimed author of "Just My Luck" comes a humorous and heartwarming story about the remarkable bond between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend, told from the dog's point of view.

Book Synopsis

Critically acclaimed author Cammie McGovern presents a heartwarming and humorous middle grade novel about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. "Joyful, inspiring, and completely winning, Chester and Gus is unforgettable," proclaimed Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan.

Chester has always wanted to become a service dog. When he fails his certification test, though, it seems like that dream will never come true--until a family adopts him. They want him to be a companion for their ten-year-old son, Gus, who has autism. But Gus acts so differently than anyone Chester has ever met. He never wants to pet Chester, and sometimes he doesn't even want Chester in the room. Chester's not sure how to help Gus since this isn't exactly the job he trained for--but he's determined to figure it out. Because after all, Gus is now his person.

In the spirit of beloved classics like Because of Winn-Dixie, Shiloh, and Old Yeller, Cammie McGovern's heartfelt novel--told from Chester's point of view--explores the extraordinary friendship between a child and a dog with a poignant and modern twist.

Review Quotes

"[Readers] will be charmed by Chester's warmth and loyalty." - Publishers Weekly
"Gus' gradual, subtle interactions with his classmates ring true and sympathetic." - Kirkus Reviews
"The quintessential book about a boy and his dog--perfectly beautiful." - Huffington Post
"Without evading or sugarcoating difficult topics, McGovern shows that disabled and able aren't binary states but part of a continuum--a human one." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Told in alternating sections of Emily's and Belinda's voices, this book explores how even good people can fail morally. Belinda is written thoughtfully and respectfully. She has a distinct voice that reflects her cognitive disabilities but without condescension. Highly recommended." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"Through alternating chapters, Emily comes to understand her inaction, prejudices, and failings, and Belinda learns to face her fears, find her voice, and take charge of her future. McGovern's ample experience with special needs youth is evident, as it allows this unique story shine from within." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
"I loved this! It's a cross between ONE AND ONLY IVAN and OUT OF MY MIND. Kids will love it because it's a dog story and a school story. Teachers and parents will love it because it's an intimate look at a family with a non-verbal autistic son. It rang so true for me." - Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop (Houston, TX)
Praise for CHESTER AND GUS: "In this delightful novel, Cammie McGovern has somehow managed to channel, with absolute perfection, the endearing voice of an aspiring service dog named Chester. Joyful, inspiring, and completely winning, Chester and Gus is unforgettable." - Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan
"Beautifully imagined and deeply affecting, Cammie McGovern's sensitive portrait of one resilient family and their very special dog demonstrates that the best lives are lived when differences are cherished." - Leslie Connor, award-winning author of Waiting for Normal and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook
"Benny's first-person narrative radiates with exactly the kind of compassion his mother recommends. Like many nine-year-olds, Benny can be guileless in one moment and wise beyond his years in another. Highly recommended for fans of realistic fiction by writers such as Ann M. Martin or Lisa Graff." - ALA Booklist
"McGovern writes convincingly about characters trying to figure out how best to live with the complications of a disability, both the person whom it most affects and also those around him or her. She manages to keep Benny's voice authentic and still draw a rich cast of minor characters. As she does for older teens in Say What You Will and A Step Toward Falling, she offers younger readers a compelling story filled with people they will care about. Benny's voice deserves to be read aloud in a classroom." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"McGovern writes convincingly about characters trying to figure out how best to live with the complications of a disability, both the person whom it most affects and also those around him or her. Benny's voice deserves to be read aloud in a classroom." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Praise for SAY WHAT YOU WILL: "Exhilarating and heartrending.This novel is stunning." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
"Readers will be surprised, moved, amused, worried, hopeful, and grateful." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)