Monique Polak

 JUNKYARD DOG (Orca, 2009)

Justin has a way with animals. When he gets an after-school job with a company that rents out guard dogs, Justin is thrilled. But he soon learns the business is not all that it appears. 

"Polak writes with a nervy confidence, and her specificity lends an authenticity that lives beyond the book's relatively few pages. A powerful story for anyone who has ever looked into the eyes of a dog and accepted the offer: 'Be good to us, and we'll be good to you'" -- Booklist

"As ever, Polak's narrative style is succinct and engaging. Such abstract concepts as ethics and empathy are given concrete forms through a story that will particularly appeal to reluctant readers" -- Montreal Review of Books 

"Junkyard Dog can provide some excellent food for thought regarding ethical questions of treatment of animals and whether an individual's need can excuse participation in unethical activities.... it might just get a dog-loving non-reader to happily crack open a book. And that is unarguably a good thing" -- CM Magazine

"It is not a long novel and will appeal to students, especially those who are facing similar family situations" -- Resource Links

a "direct, accessible high-interest title" -- The Horn Book Guide

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