Keath and Lynda are fourth graders. The kids call Lynda Zebra because her mother is black and her father white. Keath is Whitey, as he's one of the only white kids in school. They become friends because Keath loves dogs and Lynda has a three-legged, one-eared beagle called Leftovers, rescued by her mother, a vet. Her dad helps walk the dogs in the doggy daycare, and the kids go along to help.

The importance of doing what you love and finding friends you can trust and will stick up for you are handled well, as is how difficult it can be to fit in, and overcoming a handicap. ( )