Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter.
It’s Maggie’s birthday, and she really wants a puppy. But when they go to the animal shelter to choose one, she breaks out in a terribly itchy rash. Her allergic reaction sends them to the hospital, and after some testing, Maggie is devastated to find out not only is she allergic to dogs- but probably any animal with fur or feathers. Can she find another type of pet that would be suitable?
Maggie tries fish, reptiles and even- very momentarily- considers a tarantula, but none of them work out. She starts allergy shots, and wonders if she could build up tolerance to a very small pet with fur? This becomes something devious as she hides it from her parents, resulting in medical alarm when of course her symptoms flare up again despite the treatments and medications. Eventually, she has to come clean. Meanwhile, she gets a new neighbor and they quickly become friends, but that becomes rocky when the friend suddenly gets a dog. Maggie is instantly jealous and upset that now she can’t visit her friend’s house. She’s also got to deal with the adjustment of a new baby arriving in the family. And meets another kid at school who has allergies of a different sort- they commiserate over some things and Maggie realizes that her problems aren’t really as disabling as she imagines- things could be worse. In the end, she patches things up with her friend and they find ways to spend time together. She gets used to the new baby and even finds joy in having a little sister (which she had dreaded, seeing how annoying her two little brothers already were). And yes, she finally finds a solution to her no-pet dilemma, and even an expanding new interest that could take her far in the future. I liked this one.
Borrowed from the public library. Completed on 4/24/24.
