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If you're reading this, I don't trust you.
You see, humans are sometimes kind to me. Some sweet ladies say hi to anyone they meet on the street. One human always saved me bakery treats.
But just as often, humans are not kind to those like me—stray cats. Many people think I'm dirty (which I am not). Some think I'm a nuisance, to be kicked or played with.
My mother taught me to be cautious, thoughtful, and kind. I am good at those things.
But she also taught me to be brave. And that's something I needed a lot of help with.
If you're gentle and you don't move too quickly, I'll tell you about it. How I met Danielle. How three sparrows showed me the way. How Chester changed my life. And how I became brave.
Are you ready?
For city strays, life on the streets can be unforgiving. When every day is filled with territorial animals, fast-moving traffic, and aggressive boys with sticks, it takes more than a little courage to get by. Harvey, a stray cat struggling to survive, is searching for a home of his own—one that's safe and dry, with a view of the sky. But when the unexpected kindness of one woman saves him from the harsh city elements, he is forced to rethink what makes a home and who, if anyone, he can depend on. With the sage advice of Chester the dog and three talkative sparrows, Harvey will learn that trusting and helping others are some of the bravest things you can do.
PURRENNIAL MESSAGE: A story about being brave and learning to trust others is always relevant to a kid's experience. Particularly in the current cultural moment, when social anxiety and technology-induced loneliness are on the rise, this book shows young readers how being brave, making connections, and allowing oneself to be vulnerable can lead to an enriched life.
FOR CAT LOVERS: Harvey's point of view has all the unique but recognizable characteristics of these adorable house pets, but still manages to provide refreshing alternatives to the stereotypes we typically ascribe to them. Infused with humor and emotion, this is a book that a variety of readers, cat lovers or not, can appreciate.
WRITING THAT SOARS: The classic, winning voice of this book makes it perfect for a gentle introduction to different perspectives.
BELOVED AUTHOR: Garret Weyr's middle grade novel The Language of Spells won a California Book Award in 2018. She is also a Michael L. Printz winner for her book My Heartbeat. A constant source of innovation and playfulness, she's a favorite author of books for children.
Perfect for:
• Fans of Katherine Applegate
• Fans of the Warriors series
• Young readers who love adventures that are exciting but not scary
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Educators
• Librarians
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
April 19, 2022 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781797208251
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781797208251
- File size: 4150 KB
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 580
- Text Difficulty: 2-3
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Reviews
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April 1, 2022
Grades 3-6 Harvey is a street cat in New York City. He's savvy but wary and has a list of goals, his ""impossible things,"" which include saving his sister from a shelter. He'd also like to be as tough as his brother but is better at avoiding confrontation. That is how he inadvertently finds the rooftop of an apartment building, where in a fortunate coincidence, a kindly baker he knows happens to live. The safety Harvey finds above the city, along with his human friend's gentle approach, might just help him change his mind about trusting humans. Some friendly birds and a wise homeless dog also aid Harvey in seeing the world differently. Sweet line illustrations let readers glimpse the warmth of Harvey's roof refuge, as well as his world. Later, after dangerous adventures and fortunate discoveries, his ""impossible things"" change, and what is possible has more than a little to do with finding a happy home. A satisfying read for fans of fiction narrated by sympathetic animals--and of course, cat lovers.COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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April 15, 2022
A brave city cat learns what it's like to find a home with a good human. Harvey has had a tough life. His mother was killed by a bus, he's separated from his brother and sister, and every day is a struggle to satisfy hunger while avoiding mean kids, alley rats, and speeding cars. But one day, he meets a kind woman who grows plants on a rooftop. As their friendship blossoms, Harvey tries to check off a list of "impossible" tasks, like helping out his missing siblings. The short novel is briskly paced; days, weeks, then whole seasons pass as Harvey settles into a life he never could have imagined as an outdoor feline. The story is told from Harvey's perspective and in simple language, which only occasionally becomes unclear. But it's more than made up for by clever writing and a deep knowledge of cat behaviors and motivations. Charming illustrations effectively bring to life some of the scenes. As the title character's relationships with a dog named Chester and a trio of friendly sparrows, as well as kind humans, deepen, so does the book. Harvey and other animals he encounters are adorable, and the humans who befriend them are diverse in terms of race. Not a perfect journey but a tale full of heart and memorable moments. (Animal fiction. 7-10)COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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