Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Bowling (Holding on for Dear Life) centers the first-person perspective of Edmund, a seizure-alert service dog who goes from the lap of luxury to the great outdoors in this lightly speculative chapter book series opener. Following his elderly British owner's death, goldendoodle Edmund is certain that his next job will be as a royal guard dog at Buckingham Palace. Instead, he's adopted by Willy, a ghost hunter traveling to the Grand Canyon to track down the spirits of a pair of river rafters who disappeared in the 1920s. While Willy uses a machine to hunt apparitions, however, Edmund doesn't need such devices, as "just like any dog, I could see ghosts." As Willy and Edmund delve into the mystery of the missing rafters, Edmund communicates with a host of spirits. Along the way, the pooch grows closer to Willy and learns to accept his new lot in life. Though the expository prose can be dense, fascinating American Southwest lore peppers this upbeat tale that features bustling b&w illustrations from Hughes (Sesame Street: Sunny Stories). An author's note details the real-life inspiration of specific characters and situations. Ages 7--11. Author's agent: Shannon Hassan, Marsal Lyon Literary. Illustrator's agent: Francesca Lecchini-Lee, Bright Agency. (Mar.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--A genre-blending chapter book that mixes ghost story, mystery, and animal adventure. At its heart is a service dog named Edmund, rehomed to a U.S. veteran who longs to solve the real-life mystery of Glen and Bessie Hyde's 1928 Grand Canyon disappearance. Edmund has a unique ability to see and speak with ghosts, and a flair for "proper" British manners; the story layers themes of grief, identity, loyalty, and resilience against the dramatic setting of the canyon. Educators should be aware that the novel tackles complex, occasionally heavy, themes: death, seizures, airplane accidents, privilege, and misjudgment all surface throughout the narrative. While the concept of a talking service dog and the intrigue of a historical unsolved mystery are appealing hooks for upper chapter book readers, the shifting tones, multiple subplots, and dated cultural references (such as Murder, She Wrote) may prove confusing for some. Edmund's dual identity, British in manner though American-born, adds another layer of potential misunderstanding. That said, the book's ambition provides rich opportunities for discussion around how stories can braid together history, folklore, and contemporary challenges like chronic illness or PTSD. Classroom connections might include a research activity on real-life Grand Canyon mysteries or a compare/contrast exercise where students analyze how different authors handle themes of loss and resilience. Teachers might also guide students in exploring how perspective, whether through a ghost, a dog, or a veteran, shapes narrative voice. VERDICT A thought-provoking, if uneven, novel best suited for strong readers ready to grapple with layered themes; teachers may find it most effective as a guided read-aloud or small group discussion text rather than an independent reading choice.--Susie Rios
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A service dog comes face to face with ghosts and legends while he explores the Grand Canyon with his new owner. After losing his previous owner, Edmund the goldendoodle finds himself in the care of Willy, a white veteran with aspirations of ghost-hunting. And Willy is in Edmund's care, too, because someone needs to warn Willy of any impending seizures and seek help when he needs it. Their first paranormal mystery: investigating what happened to Bessie and Glen Hyde, who went missing in the Grand Canyon years ago. Like all dogs, Edmund can see ghosts, but while none of the spirits he encounters are the elusive Hydes, other creatures lurking in the canyon might be able to provide answers. Edmund's pompous attitude is frequently humorous, and occasional illustrations bring in a further cartoonish element, but the highlights of this story are the sweet moments when Edmund realizes the extent of Willy's need for him and the two grow closer. Combined with historical facts about the Grand Canyon and Edmund demonstrating the skills a service dog is capable of, this book delivers an appealing blend of topics and genres. A delight for dog lovers with some wonderfully tender moments. (author's note, sources)(Fiction. 7-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
