For teen scientist Emma Branch, “man’s best friend” isn’t just a cute phrase; her golden retriever, Hudson, is the only family member she feels comfortable around, especially after losing her mother. When her dog’s life is endangered, Emma uses an experimental serum to save him. But there’s an unexpected side effect: Hudson turns into Bud Golden, a human boy with a dog’s mind. Even more surprising, Bud becomes the star of the football team. Now the Branch family must keep Hudson’s transformation a secret until he can lead the Bulldogs, led by Emma’s football coach father and star running back brothers, to their first championship in decades. Georgia author Symon’s debut novel is steeped in Southern tradition and a deep love for family, football, and four-legged friends. While there’s plenty of the dog-based antics readers might expect, there’s also genuine pathos in the Branches’ evolving family dynamic. Tween and younger teen readers will find lots to love in this ode to the eternal bond between pets and their people.
