Golden Boy by A.J. Symon

GOLDEN BOY

by A.J. Symon

Simon & Schuster 

YA Fantasy

288 pages

COMING AUGUST 25th!!!

When the beloved family golden retriever becomes human, a girl’s relationships with her family and herself transform in ways she never thought possible in this heartwarming and funny young adult novel.

Science-obsessed, teen-genius Emma Branch is used to being the odd one out—in her family, among her classmates, and in her small town that only ever seems to care about football. She doesn’t mind being all alone; in fact, she prefers it. Besides, who needs friends when she has a best friend already—her golden retriever, Hudson.

But when Hudson gets into an accident, Emma can’t bear to lose her only friend. Luckily, she’s been working on an experimental substance for her school science project that could help him out. All it was supposed to do was heal Hudson, not…turn him human?!

Emma, her family, and the whole town is about to learn just how a golden retriever can change hearts and minds for the better—that is, after causing a big, old mess first.

PUBLISHER     /    GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

With feel-good vibes, a touch of humor, and tons of heart, this is a read to make a person smile, add a tiny bit of food for thought, and simply entertain in a wholesome way.

Emma dances to her own tune in her little town, not that it's an easy thing to do in a place where everyone'tws life seems to hover around football. Even her own family fits into that slot, which leaves her, as a science fan, a little on her own. Luckily, she has Hudson, her golden retriever and very best friend. So, when he's wounded in a car accident, she's devastated and will do anything to save him. As fate would have it, she's been experimenting on an idea for a new drug for a school project, and while it isn't fine-tuned, yet, it appears to be Hudson's only hope. When it suddenly turns him into a human, though, she's out of her league and isn't sure what to do. But Hudson might be the fresh air the town needs most.

In a time where most young adult literature delves into heavy messaging or darker directions, this is a refreshing twist. The characters come across with a sense of reality...as if they live right down the block. The dialogue flows smoothly and lets each personality come across clearly. Emma carries just enough of the 'outsider' feel to garner sympathy but not so much that it falls into the victim or bullying zone. Instead, she's pretty based with just enough uncertainty to fit right into the age group and make her relateable. She is a little young at 11 for the young adult audience, so I would mark this one more as a tween read. Her concerns are understandable, and while some of the science does push beyond reality, it does so with finesse to weave in imagination and possibility. It's a read which warms like a hug, yet adds enough tension, humor, and surprises to keep the pages turning. It makes an enjoyable, summer tale for readers who simply want to be entertained, feel good, and smile.

And here he is...

A.J. Symon lives in Barnesville, Georgia, with his family, which includes several golden retrievers, including descendants of the real-life Hudson on which Golden Boy is based.