Colleen Nelson - Harvey Holds His Own

Praise for Harvey Comes Home

[T]his gently paced, character-driven narrative captivates on every level, transforming a lost dog story into a deeper reading experience. Present-day and historical time lines (with a few grim moments) are seamlessly interwoven and keep readers invested. Back matter reveals that the tale was inspired by Nelsons ( Finding Hope ) grandfather, accounting for the books authentic, intimate feel. Nelsons first middle grade novel is heartwarming and inspirational; a first purchase. School Library Journal Starred Review

Throughout, alternating third-person chapters from Maggie, Harvey, and Austin give readers a rounded view of each prominent character.Dog lovers will drool over this multi-generational story. Booklist

Affecting, riveting, and evocative, this character-driven tale within a talebelievably reveals the best and sometimes the worst of human nature.Much more than a lost-dog story. Kirkus Reviews

Harvey Comes Home is a gentle story about a slow build to friendship between generations that would be of interest to all readers and a wonderful choice for reading aloud. Harvey Comes Home is about so much more than a lost dog, and I can see this book being one that any reader would treasure. Highly Recommended . CM Magazine

Colleen Nelson has written a new book that will especially resonate with pet lovers.Mid-grade readers will enjoy this story of love, loyalty and endurance, in which Tara Anderson shows her versatility by supplying charming black-and-white illustrations. Winnipeg Free Press

In her first middle-grade novel, [Colleen Nelson] is able to grab the readers heartstrings while blending a dog story with an intergenerational relationship and embedding profound reflections on the Depression and the Dust Bowl. Its a complete package as Harveys, Maggies and Austins stories converge, integrated with heart and important messages about connecting with others and forgiveness for mistakes made when scared, hurt or alone. CanLit for LittleCanadians

Copyright

First published in Canada and the United States in 2020

Text copyright 2020 Colleen Nelson

Illustration copyright 2020 Tara Anderson

This edition copyright 2020 Pajama Press Inc.

This is a first edition.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher or a licence from The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (Access Copyright). For an Access Copyright licence, visit www.accesscopyright.ca or call toll free 1.800.893.5777.

The publisher gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council for its publishing program. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund (CBF) for our publishing activities.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Title: Harvey holds his own / by Colleen Nelson ; illustrations by Tara Anderson.

Names: Nelson, Colleen, author. | Anderson, Tara, illustrator.

Identifiers: Canadiana 20200157981 | ISBN 9781772781144 (hardcover)

Classification: LCC PS8627.E555 H375 2020 | DDC jC813/.6dc23

Publisher Cataloging-in-Publication Data (U.S.)

Names: Nelson, Colleen, author. | Anderson, Tara, illustrator.

Title: Harvey Holds His Own / by Colleen Nelson, illustrations by Tara Anderson.

Description: Toronto, Ontario Canada : Pajama Press, 2020. | Summary: A plucky West Highland Terrier named Harvey is determined to protect his yard from an intruding animal. Meanwhile, Harveys owner Maggie struggles to fit in at school, his friend Austin works to prevent his grandfather from losing his job at a retirement home, and new retirement home resident Josephine Fradette clings to her fierce individuality in the face of conformity. Finally, all characters both human and dog find resolution by standing up to adversity Provided by publisher.

Identifiers: ISBN 978-1-77278-114-4 (hardback)

Subjects: LCSH: West Highland white terrier -- Juvenile fiction. | Families -- Juvenile fiction. | Old age Juvenile fiction. | Self-confidence Juvenile fiction. | Individual differences Juvenile fiction. | BISAC: JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dogs. | JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Adolescence.

Classification: LCC PZ7.N457Ha |DDC [F] dc23

Original art created with graphite pencil on Canson drawing paper

Interior illustrationsTara Anderson

Cover designRebecca Bender

Text designLorena Gonzalez Guillen

Cover image: Oscar, running fast Christopher Walker

Manufactured by Marquis

Printed in Canada

Pajama Press Inc.

181 Carlaw Ave. Suite 251 Toronto, Ontario Canada, M4M 2S1

Distributed in Canada by UTP Distribution

5201 Dufferin Street Toronto, Ontario Canada, M3H 5T8

Distributed in the U.S. by Ingram Publisher Services

1 Ingram Blvd. La Vergne, TN 37086, USA

Dedication

For Ann Featherstone

C.N.

For Buffy

T.A.

Chapter 1

Harvey

E arly-morning walks are Harveys favorite. Even better is after a rain when the concrete is cool and damp on his paws. Lampposts and fire hydrants explode with bright, fresh smells, ready for his inspection. He trots from tree to tree, leading Maggie. Theres a particularly pungent smell stretching along the curb. Harvey can almost taste it. He tugs, desperate to sniff out the source. Harvey! Maggie plants her feet, refusing to move until Harvey calms. Harvey obeys, but only until he feels some give in the leash. Then he is off again, his nose pressed firmly to the ground.

West Highland Terriers are known for their keen sense of smell and their determination. Harveys hard work is rewarded when his nose leads him to a bag of trash that has been ripped open. Mounds of soggy garbage have spilled out. As much as Harvey would like to stay and investigate every piece, cataloging the smells in his brain, Maggies voice is sharp with irritation. Ew, Harvey! Gross! Raccoons did that.

Maggie drags Harvey away, but not before he catches a whiff of the animals dank fur. The smell sends shivers up Harveys nose and his tail and ears perk up.

How he hates to leave! The scent could be tracked, its origin discovered. Harvey is a ratter, and his instincts tell him to do just that. He looks back once, longingly. Maggie bends down and scratches the spot between Harveys ears. Come on, Harvs. I have school. We have to get home. Instantly distracted, Harvey forgets the strange new odor and trots beside Maggie as they round the corner for home. But somewhere out there is an unfamiliar creature and its scent is now firmly etched in Harveys memory.