Mindy Makes Some Space (Paws #2)

Gr 3-6—Mindy and her best friends Gabby and Priya have fallen into a steady routine with their successful dog walking business, P.A.W.S. But a new classmate, Hazel, and Mindy's mom's new boyfriend, Michael, flip Mindy's world upside down. While her friends are eager to invite Hazel (who uses a wheelchair) into the group, Mindy hesitates out of fear of being replaced. Starting with a short summary of the first volume, this inviting sequel focuses on Mindy's experiences and could be read as a standalone. The authentic tween voice and expressive character designs make for a gentle, slice-of-life story that touches on some big feelings. The main trio are each BIPOC, while Hazel presents white. While Mindy does exhibit some ableist behavior that peers confront and correct, Hazel's role in Mindy's character growth tiptoes toward disability trope. VERDICT A mostly successful entry in a series that will only grow in popularity—and cuteness.

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for the PAWS series:

★ Reminiscent of Ann M. Martin's The Baby-Sitters Club, this series starter will be a surefire hit with Raina Telgemeier fans and any reader seeking a solid friendship story. Laugh-out-loud funny and full of heart. —School Library Journal, starred review

★ Wholly relatable, perfectly capturing the angst and turmoil of transition. Much like Ann M. Martin's Baby Sitters Club, this series is poised to feature a different PAWS member in each volume; expect appeal to be similarly high. An honest, heartwarming look at friendship. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

The story is refreshingly inclusive in its depiction of its distinctive characters and their families, offering a reflection of the world that many readers will find familiar. With expressive faces and body language, the artwork poignantly emphasizes the ups and downs of the girls' experiences. This truly heartwarming story about friendship (and lots and lots of dogs) is a great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale. —Booklist

It's fantastic, it's cute, it's drawn and colored gorgeously, and I think it's going to win a lot of fans. PAWS is here to stay! —Bryan Lee O'Malley, #1 New York Times bestseller and Eisner award-winning creator of the Scott Pilgrim series

PAWS is an adorable graphic novel filled with bubbly, beautiful artwork, sharp writing, heart and humor. It's the comic I wish I'd had when I was an animal-loving kid!" —Faith Erin Hicks, New York Times bestseller and Eisner award-winning creator of the Nameless City series

What's a bigger, tougher balance of fun and responsibility than animals? Friends, maybe. And I was really rooting for the three girls from PAWS as they struggled to navigate both. I liked this book a lot! —Dana Simpson, New York Times bestselling creator of the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series

PAWS is full of humor, personality, and wonderful characters. I couldn't put it down. You'll have a barking good time reading PAWS! —Johnnie Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Swim Team

I love this story. Funny, aspirational, and heartfelt, I was hooked from page one and enjoyed every wonderfully illustrated panel!—Kris Pearn, director and executive producer of The Willoughbys

A really beautiful and engaging story. The best thing I can say about PAWS is that my daughter likes it better than anything I've ever done, and I'm not arguing the point. —Karl Kerschl, Eisner award-winning creator

[A] lively graphic novel. The characters feel bouncy and rounded. Animal lovers, burgeoning entrepreneurs, and fans of friendship sagas should look forward to planned future installments. —The Horn Book