Little Rex: A Night at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery by Gary Porter

Little Rex: A Night at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery blends historical fiction, ghostly adventure, and canine courage into a heartwarming tale that will spark young readers’ imaginations while introducing them to classic American writers and the lessons they still carry for us today.

On the Day of the Dead, the ghosts of America’s greatest authors rise from their graves…and a Boston Terrier is about to join them on an unforgettable journey.

Rex was once a beloved pet, but when life on the streets of Boston leaves him hungry and alone, he stumbles into Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts. There, under the moonlit shadows of Authors Ridge, something extraordinary happens: Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson return for one night only.

With wit, warmth, and a touch of ghostly wonder, Rex follows the famous writers through Concord’s most historic landmarks—from the Old North Bridge to Walden Pond—discovering the power of words, the weight of history, and the courage hidden in even the smallest heart. Along the way, he also encounters John Brown, the fiery abolitionist, and a Salem “witch” who has unfinished business with Hawthorne’s past.

But Rex is more than just a witness to history. He’s a dog searching for belonging, haunted by the master who gave him up and facing the frailty of his own aging body. His story, told from the afterlife, becomes both a love letter to literature and a timeless reminder of loyalty, friendship, and hope.

Reviews

"A joyful read for dog and history lovers alike, Little Rex is another playful and charming entry in Porter's repertoire." — Jan Turnquist, Executive Director, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House

"A four-footed narrator, literary ghosts, and a dip in Walden Pond are just a few of the delights abounding in Little Rex. Who knew a Boston Terrier with wit and bravado could make young readers laugh, learn, and fall in love with 19th Century Concord and historical fiction?" — Julie Dunlap, Author of I Begin with Spring: The Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau

"Gary Porter's love of literature and history are deftly woven into his series of captivating young reader stories in Little Rex: A Night at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Anchored by his lovable narrator, Little Rex, the Boston Terrier, readers are whisked into an imaginative exploration of Alcott, Thoreau, Hawthorne and Emerson. Insightful quotations from this assemblage of bygone authors adds to Little Rex's journey. Porter's charming book is sure to capture the imagination of its readers, stirring a sense of adventure for further discovery. " — John Busbee, The Culture Buzz, Iowa Governor's Award for Partnership & Collaboration in the Arts, Excellence in History Award for published feature story

"Adorable, delightful, and deeply researched, Gary Porter's Little Rex: A Night at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery is a magical tale with just enough puffs of reality to flash smiles from new and old friends of Concord history and its literary legends. You'll finish this book running to your bookshelves to spend more time with these authors, and heading to your local animal shelter to scoop up a dog who is waiting for your love. Be a good reader: sit and treat yourself by reading Little Rex: A Night at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery." — Jaimee Leigh Joroff, Barrow Bookstore and Licensed Town Guide, Concord, MA

Best Good Thing by Anna Housley Juster, Ph.D., LICSW

This engaging and beautifully illustrated story, told by a main character with a strong voice, will make a real difference in the lives of children and their caregivers.

Some days are all bad . . . or are they? In The Best Good Thing, nothing is going well. The young narrator sharing about her day is feeling sad and mad. Smad! She knows there are no good things about the day. Her mother listens, sympathizes, and suggests intentionally looking for positives. The story becomes a relatable search for good things, which are all around. A flower, a kind neighbor, yummy bread.

Ultimately, she discovers the best good thing of all: love. Written by a child mental health clinician and grounded in child development, this book:

• Meets the need for story-based books with tools that support children’s well-being,

• Teaches parents and young readers the therapeutic strategy of cognitive restructuring in an accessible and kid-friendly way,

• Includes guidance and support for kids and adults.

Owning My Space by San Graeve, MA

Owning My Space: A Teen's Guide to Physical, Emotional, and Digital Boundaries is a supportive and reassuring resource that helps teens recognize when something doesn't feel right – and respond with confidence. Through real-life examples and a down-to-earth tone, this book shows how to spot boundary-crossing behavior from friends, siblings, classmates, or people online.

Readers will learn how to protect their privacy, emotions, and values while staying safe and grounded in who they are. Boundaries are not walls – they are tools for self-respect, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections. Whether navigating social media, school life, or family dynamics, teens will develop the insight and communication skills they need to own their space with courage and conviction.

The guide includes thoughtful reflection questions and hands-on activities that encourage teens to dive more deeply into their experiences, expand their understanding of healthy boundaries, and build practical skills for setting them in everyday life.

By exploring physical, emotional, and digital boundaries, teens will gain the confidence to advocate for themselves, express their needs clearly, and make choices that support their mental and emotional health. Owning My Space is an essential read for any teen learning to manage relationships, identity, and the digital world with purpose and strength.

Reviews

"...some very solid information about personal boundaries, online activities, friendships, romantic relationships, and toxic behaviors (a lot labeled "grooming" which is not necessarily that, but definitely still toxic). This is a solid book for any life skills class or parent looking for a resource for their teen." — Gretchen D., NetGalley Early Reviewer

"Owning My Space is an accessible and reassuring guide that helps teens understand and set healthy physical, emotional, and digital boundaries. Using relatable examples, reflection questions, and practical activities, the book empowers young readers to recognize boundary-crossing behavior and respond with confidence. A helpful resource for teens navigating relationships, school life, and online spaces. Written in an approachable, down-to-earth tone, the book addresses real situations teens encounter at school, at home, with friends, and online. It does a particularly strong job of helping readers recognize when something doesn't feel right and offering practical language and strategies for responding in healthy, assertive ways. The inclusion of physical, emotional, and digital boundaries makes the content feel current and relevant, especially in the context of social media and online interactions." — Ashley S., NetGalley Early Reviewer