Midnight at the Shelter - by Nanci Turner Steveson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Written with a distinctively doggy voice, great humor, and plenty of heart, this novel from acclaimed author Nanci Turner Steveson is a perfect pick for readers looking for a touching animal story in the vein of Because of Winn-Dixie or Marley & Me.

Rescue dog MahDi is happy helping his human partner, "MomDoc," with the important work at her vet clinic and the local animal shelter. The two of them make a good team, caring for the town's pets and matchmaking rescue animals with the families who need them.

When the shelter is suddenly down a staff member, the animals have to deal with a new caretaker: Huck, an unpleasant man who seems to have no problem threatening the animals he's supposed to care for. As more dogs crowd into the shelter than are going to new homes, MahDi begins to worry that if MomDoc isn't around, there is no telling what Huck might do.

With three perfectly good legs, the heart of a true leader, and his pack mates by his side, MahDi is willing to risk everything to save his shelter-friends from an uncertain future.

Review Quotes

"Nanci Turner Steveson sagely delivers all the feels through well-crafted, cinematic scenes. From hard losses to the triumphs of finding home again, each creature--canine and human--takes their unique journey to the ultimate gift of unconditional love. Truly unforgettable." -- Leslie Connor, author of National Book Award Finalist The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

"Oh, if only we could see it all from a dogs'-eye view. Maybe we'd understand more fully the importance of kindness, a full plate of kibble, and a loving human to seal the deal. By the end, I wanted to adopt all of the dogs in this story. It's that kind of book: a game changer for any creature who's ever been lost or found or both." -- Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor author of The Underneath

"Each dog's story illustrates one of the many ways dogs come to need new homes and how wonderful rescue animals can be." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Alternating dogs'-eye views propel this immersive pack story from Steveson... Themes of love, hope, and belonging resound throughout, balancing the sometimes dark content." -- Publishers Weekly