Better with Butter

In this heartwarming novel set in Northern California, Piontek (The Spirit of Cattail County) conveys the calming and strengthening power of connecting with an animal. Diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder, self-proclaimed coward Marvel McKenna views her worries as armor that helps her prepare--"It takes a lot of work to be afraid of everything." When she's not dwelling on global problems, the implied-white sixth grader's mind is filled with worries about making friends, taking tests, and public speaking--including an upcoming presentation in front of the whole school. But after rehearsal for the event makes her freeze on stage, Marvel pushes her fear aside to rescue a baby fainting goat from a group of eighth graders intent on startling it. Marvel's parents agree that she can keep the goat, dubbed Butter, until the owner is found. When she is with the animal, Marvel's anxiety subsides and, for the first time, she feels confident. As a result, Marvel would like Butter to serve as an emotional service animal at school; before that can happen, though, her intimidating principal requires that Butter pass a difficult obedience test. Marvel's honest first-person voice sheds light on an experience of living with chronic anxiety, conveying conflicts and progress with clear internal detail. Ages 8--12. Agent: Laura Rennert, Andrea Brown Literary. (July)

Getting through rough times is better with a friend. Marvel McKenna has issues, specifically generalized anxiety disorder that is affecting her ability to complete sixth grade. That, combined with an embarrassing moment in front of the entire school, subsequent bullying from classmate Jamie, and a fear that she's not bonding with her often absent Navy father, creates an oppressive environment that's stifling Marvel. The sweet taste of hope arrives with Butter, a myotonic--or fainting--goat Marvel courageously saves from Jamie and a group of older students who are tormenting her. When Marvel learns about emotional support animals, she makes it her mission to officially turn Butter into one so she can keep her permanently and feel as brave at school as she does when she's taking care of her new goat bestie. This story set in a suburb near San Francisco is engaging; tweens will love Marvel's candid narration as she slowly transforms into a healthier version of herself. Readers who value realism may roll their eyes once or twice at the number of lucky breaks Marvel has with Butter, but those looking for a feel-good beach-read vibe will have few complaints. Main characters default to White. A charming story. (Fiction. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.