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“A 12-year-old girl befriends a 35ish-year-old (in dog years) canine during an unexpected summer of learning and growing in the forests of the Sierra Nevada. …Though the reappearance of Tree Dog’s former owner initially threatens to derail the central pair’s deepening connection, the author weaves that thread into the overarching theme of inclusive community.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Tree Dog

Written by Margarita Engle
Illustrated by Julia Davis
Published by Godwin Books

Climbing trees is how Tiana finds peace. Every time she touches the sky she feels strong and free.

After moving from Cuba to Montreal to Florida to California, peace is something Tiana needs now more than ever. But with the summer ahead full of camping in La Sierra Nevada while her biologist parents help conduct a wildlife survey, peace seems like more and more of a distant fantasy. It’s not until finding Tree Dog nestled at the top of a towering aspen that she realizes a little bit of chaos might just be worth the trouble. . .

With timely themes about book banning, immigration, and conservation, this is a heartfelt story perfect for reading as a companion to Margarita Engle’s critically acclaimed Mountain Dog or as a standalone for anyone looking for a poetic ecoadventure.

Primary ISBN: 9781250393852
Publication Date: October 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 10 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (California)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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