Strays A Novel

Strays A Novel by Jennifer Caloyeras, published by Ashland Creek Press in 2015, is a young adult fiction that explores the challenges faced by sixteen-year-old Iris Moody. Struggling with her temper and a series of personal issues, including the loss of her mother and a failing English class, Iris finds herself in a difficult situation when a note in her journal is misinterpreted as a threat. As a consequence, she is sentenced to summer school and community service, where she must rehabilitate troubled dogs, including a three-legged pit bull named Roman.

In this engaging narrative, readers will follow Iris as she navigates her anger and learns about the importance of connection and support. The story delves into themes of coming of age, the bond between humans and animals, and the challenges of personal growth. Through her experiences with Roman and the other participants in the program, Iris discovers that she may not be as different from the dogs she is helping as she initially believed. This edition, comprising 219 pages, offers a heartfelt look at the complexities of adolescence and the transformative power of compassion.