Gus and Glory

In a heart-tugging and hopeful novel from Guillory (Nowhere Better Than Here), a rambunctious bloodhound bounding nose-first through life proves to be the glue that bonds a 12-year-old to biological and found families. Aspiring detective Glory St. Romain feels out of sorts when she’s sent to stay with her mother’s estranged parents, Nana Pat and Papaw Jack, in small, sweltering Sweet Olive, La. With her trucker father on the road, the young mystery fan is determined to make the most of her time by cracking the case of where her mom has gone, which is surely not “on vacation” like Dad says. Glory finds some assistance in sniffing out clues at a neighborhood park when she encounters Gus, a big, wrinkly dog attracted to her peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich. Sweet and slobbery Gus proves a cherished companion who helps lead Glory to new friends, a healing relationship with her steadfast grandparents, and difficult truths about her mother. In a smartly balanced novel that strikes notes tough and tender, Glory’s forthright observational narration renders the child’s warm connection with Papaw Jack, appreciation of Gus’s innate talents and capacity for empathy, and feelings about showing up for loved ones. Protagonists read as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Alice Sutherland-Hawes, ASH Literary. (May)