Difficult times have created infighting in the otherwise idyllic neighborhood where 12-year-old Summer Larsen has just moved. At the forefront of the controversy is Summer's father, who works for the developer. But it's a sweet, stray dog who ultimately changes Summer's life and those around her. Shadow, named for always following her, was destined to be Summer's dog. But for how long? And at what price? Summer is determined to do what she believes is the right thing no matter how difficult, and it's that strength of character, as well as her big heart, that have a profound impact on her father and the neighbors she befriends: the nerdy boy who is disapproved of by the popular kids, the reclusive woman who lives next door, and the rough-around-the-edges guy who happens to have a gentle soul.
—Steve Franke