A unique masterpiece about loss, love, and the world's best bad dog, from award-winning author Leslie Connor, author of the National Book Award finalist The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle. Lydia knows more about death than most thirteen-year-olds. Her mother was already sick when her father left them six years ago. When her mother died, it was Lydia who sat by her side. Fully orphaned now, Lydia follows the plan her mother made with her. She uproots to rural Connecticut to live with her "last of kin." Aunt Brat; her jovial wife, Eileen; and their ancient live-in landlord, Elloroy, welcome Lydia. Only days after her arrival the women adopt a big yellow dog. Lydia is not a dog person-and this one is trouble! He pees in the house, escapes into the woods, and barks at things unseen. His new owners begin to guess about his unknown past. Lydia doesn't want to cause trouble for her new family-and she does not mean to keep secrets-but there are things she's not telling . . . Like why the box of "paper stuff" she keeps under her bed is so important . . .And why that hole in the wall behind the poster in her room is getting bigger . . .And why something she took from the big yellow dog just might be the key to unraveling his mysterious past-but at what cost? Award-winning author Leslie Connor crafts a story that sings about loss and love and finding joy in new friendships and a loving family, along with the world's best bad dog. This uplifting story about recovery features strong female characters, an adorable dog, and the girl who comes to love him.