Review Detail

Gus and Glory is a beautiful middle-grade novel by Sarah Guillory that explores themes of change, family, and the unbreakable bond between a girl and her dog.

Twelve-year-old Glory St. Romain's life is turned upside down when her mom suddenly leaves without a word, leaving Glory to solve the bewildering mystery of her mom's disappearance. With her truck-driver dad unable to care for her, Glory is sent to live with her estranged maternal grandparents, Nana Pat and Papaw Jack, for the summer in Sweet Olive, Louisiana. A fan of mystery books, Glory now sees a real-life opportunity to put her detective skills to the test and uncover the truth behind her mother's departure.

During her stay with her grandparents, Glory encounters Gus, a large, lovable bloodhound whose owner needs surgery. Glory becomes Gus's temporary caretaker, taking on the responsibility of teaching him to use his natural tracking abilities. Together, Glory and Gus embark on an unexpected adventure, and in the process, they make new friendships and discover a sense of family.

What I Liked: This story gave me all the feels. While the premise of Glory's mother leaving without a goodbye creates a foundation of sadness and uncertainty, the story has an equally strong current of hope and love. Amidst her emotional turmoil, Glory experiences personal growth and finds genuine connections. She forms one of her first true friendships, and her relationship with her grandparents deepens beautifully throughout the book. The bond she develops with her grandfather, who is navigating his own recovery from a stroke, is particularly touching. The bond between Gus and Glory is central to the story, showing how pets can offer comfort and support during the toughest of times.

Gus and Glory is a moving and heartwarming middle-grade novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy authentic, relatable stories.