Rotten 12+

About this book

JD Dobbs is back in town after spending the summer "upstate." No one believes his story about visiting his aunt, and it's pretty clear that he has something to hide. It's also pretty clear that his mom made a new friend while he was away — a rescued Rottweiler that JD immediately renames Johnny Rotten (yes, after that guy in the Sex Pistols).

Both tough but damaged, JD and Johnny slowly learn to trust each other, but their newfound bond is threatened by a treacherous friend and one snap of Johnny's powerful jaws. As the secrets JD has tried so hard to keep under wraps start to unravel, he suddenly has something much bigger to worry about: saving his dog.

This is a heart-stealing story about a boy and his dog from New York Times bestselling author Michael Northrop.

Reviews

Praise for Rotten:

A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild selection
A 2014-15 Keystone to Reading Award finalist

"A sure bet for any reader who loves an underdog, human or canine." — Publishers Weekly

"A fine portrayal of a boy, a dog and the ties of friends." — Kirkus Reviews

"A laugh-out-loud book, with so many things to love." — Christian Science Monitor

"Northrop knows just how to get into the male mind, blending subtle humor with convincing dialogue. But above all, the author knows that nothing gets between a guy and his dog." — BookPage


Praise for On Thin Ice:

"A sharp, sympathetic insight into poverty, family, friendship, and forgiveness." — Kirkus Reviews


Praise for Polaris:

"An exciting blend of nautical adventure and monstrous horror." — Kirkus Reviews


Praise for TombQuest:

"Pure adventure from start to finish." — School Library Connection


Praise for Surrounded by Sharks:

"This story strikes a balance of suspense and action... For reluctant readers and fans of survival stories." — School Library Journal


Praise for Trapped:

"Northrop gets at the core of human nature through masterful pacing. Gripping." — Kirkus Reviews