By Gina Loveless Genevieve Kote
A group of dedicated kids learns that saving animals takes a lot of heart and even more teamwork at the local shelter.
Gina Loveless and Meika Hashimoto introduce us to the Belltrae Animal Shelter in this engaging graphic novel series. The story follows Maddie, a girl who desperately wants a dog but isn’t allowed to have one at home. To stay close to animals, she begins volunteering at the shelter alongside a diverse group of new friends. They work together to care for various pets and help them find new families. This series currently features three books, giving students a clear path to follow once they finish the first adventure.
Educators looking for high-interest material will find these books very useful. The graphic novel format relies on Meika Hashimoto’s vibrant artwork to explain what is happening in the story. This is a huge help for students who are still building their English vocabulary. When a student moves from the first book to the second, they already know the characters and the shelter. They don’t have to expend energy figuring out a whole new world. This consistency makes the transition between books feel smooth and manageable. It is a great way to help a struggling reader feel successful and ready for the next challenge.
**Total Books in Series:** 3
**Best Starting Point:** Animal Rescue Friends
