) intimate novel effectively conveys Molly's uncertainties and internal growth as she becomes more inclined to do what she believes is right. Stray by Stacey Goldblatt available in Hardcover on, also read synopsis and reviews. Beyond the girl-power message, Goldblatt's ( Stray

Natalie herself resembles an Ibizan hound-quiet, playful, loyal, smart, and above all, obedient. As the newest (and oldest) member of the group, Molly struggles to meet the high expectations of her stern leader, but lessons in responsibility and self-respect prove fruitful. Stray will attract readers who love dogs as well as a good first love story.-Booklist Sixteen-year-old Natalie Kaplan has a special talent: when she meets a person, she knows right away what kind of dog theyd be. Guard yourself like a leprechaun would protect his treasure.” The opportunity to do something totally for herself comes from her nine-year-old neighbor, who introduces Molly to the Girl Corps, an organization dedicated to helping young girls become strong, confident women. Stray Goldblatt, Stacey 3.61 avg rating (272 ratings by Goodreads) Softcover ISBN 10: 0385734441ISBN 13: 9780385734448 Publisher: Laurel Leaf, 2009 This specific ISBN edition is currently not available. When it dawns on her that she is being pushed into things she doesn't want to do by her edgy best friend Vanessa and boyfriend Trevor (both of whom end up betraying her), Molly decides it's time to follow her father's advice to “be wise and wide. Sheltered by her “Da” and a band of burly uncles, Molly has never had to stand on her own two feet. An Irish-American backdrop gives this girl-struggling-to-find-herself story a colorful twist.