When Friendship Followed Me Home

I loved Paul Griffin's YA books Orange Houses and Stay With Me; this latest middle grade book was so powerful, funny, sad, and I think it should be read by everyone! Ben is a foster child who has found his forever home with the therapist who helped him through a rough patch. One day he finds a dog who changes his life, makes him try new things, and meets many new wonderful people through his association with this perfect little ambassador. As Flip and Ben navigate life and their bond, they meet Halley who urges Ben to use flip as a therapy dog; Flip helps reluctant readers become better readers. Halley and Ben become fast friends, write novels, and give Flip belly rubs. Halley has a wonderful mom (librarian extraordinaire) and great dad (Master Magician). As Ben falls in love with this family, there is heartbreak ahead; how will Ben and Flip fare with all the bumps in the road life throws at them? Definitely a favorite for me; realistic with good doses of happiness and sadness and special characters you truly love; highly recommended!

I wish I could give more stars to this book. I highly recommend it to readers who want a "Fault in our Stars" type story without the sexual content. Ben has experienced a life of hard knocks but finally has a mom who loves him and is finding his place in middle school when a dog and a girl turn his life upside-down. Flip the dog shows us the world of Read to Rufus, a reading program for struggling learners and Halley becomes the friend we all wish we had when growing up. Prepare to smile and cry as you read this book and ignore anyone who says the the "book in a book" aspect is poorly done. That inner book is clearly written by tweens so it isn't supposed to be excellent; it's supposed to show you the thoughts of two best friends.

From the characters' names to their strong voices, this novel will pull you in quickly. It's the kind of writing that sinks into your soul. I already know I will read it over and over. I want more Ben, Flip, Halley, Tess and the Lorentz family. I just finished and I want to go back to page 1 and start again. This novel is real, and really brilliant. You will love Ben Coffin with every ounce of your being. You'll wish you could be his friend. And you'll wish you could rub Flip's stomach. Read this book and the words will make you laugh, cry, then laugh again. This is magical perfection.

This book is great for 4th to 6th graders. I really like it and recommend it to kids or even adults who like dogs or stories about school and things.

I always look forward to the release of Paul Griffin's books, and this one did not disappoint. The writing once again is beautiful and accessible, while honestly portraying the tragedy and loss that many kids experience and feel deeply. It is such a gift to find strength and hope and joy through friends, strays, and those rare adults who deeply respect the intelligence and experiences of kids.

Ben’s life is a set of unseen circumstances that would challenge any young person. His finding a dog and taking it in results in friendships he could not have foreseen. A realistic portrayal of a child who continuously must find a way to overcome the obstacles placed in his life. A truly heartwarming tale of a youngster’s ability to not only survive, but thrive.

I ordered this book due to a recommendation from a friend. I finished it within 2 days. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were described in such a way that I felt like I knew them. I loved the way the kids have such a great imagination. I feel like that is not as abundant anymore and it should be, it is just a good book! I would recommend this to anyone and everyone.

I absolutely loved this book. In fact, I loved it so much that I used it as a summer book club choice for my graduating fifth graders. There are so many enduring themes . . . friendship, loss, courage, trust, creativity. I will be using this book in my classroom this year to generate meaningful writing and discussion. Great read!

I am not a youngster. My age is 85. This beautifully written book is about friendship, loss, love and finding your place in this world.. This book made me cry. I will always treasure it.

This was a wonderful, endearing story of friendship and perseverance. Although easy to read, it had deep messages and an interesting storyline. My 11 year old son had to read it for his summer reading for school and he loved it!

Un libro encantador. Lo compré para mi hijo y me lo he leído yo también. Da valores muy positivos y es entretenido. Divertido y con partes tristes. Como la vida misma. El protagonista da muchas lecciones de superación.

Wonderful book