Fenway and the Great Escape

by Victoria J. Coe, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Illustrations)

The little dog with the GIANT personality from Fenway and Hattie just knows he is meant to roam freely off-leash . . . but how can he get his short human to agree?

One day on a hike, Fenway finally convinces Hattie to take off his leash so he can run free with other dogs, and as always, keep his humans safe from any squirrels. He has an amazing time and gets treats whenever Hattie calls his name!

But the next time Fenway is off leash, things don't go so well. Hattie calls right when Fenway is chasing the most dangerous squirrel in the forest. Then, suddenly, Hattie is missing.

Could it be that Fenway needs a leash to keep track of her ?

With an easy reading level and lively illustrations, emerging readers will be eager to get their paws on the Make Way for Fenway! chapter books.

96 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Victoria J. Coe is a celebrated children’s author, best known for her Fenway and Hattie series – a One School, One Book favorite, Amazon Teachers’ Pick, and the early reader selection for the Global Read Aloud. Her numerous books for children also include the chapter book series Make Way for Fenway! for which she won the 2024 SCBWI Sid Fleischman Honor Award for Humor. A dynamic presenter and workshop leader at elementary schools and writers’ organizations, Victoria is co-author of the acclaimed “how to” guides, Writing Kidlit 101 and Writing Kidlit 102.

Victoria has a remarkable talent for creating big, loveable animal characters and immersing readers in the animal’s authentic point of view. While her primary motivation is to entertain, she deeply believes that learning to appreciate perspectives other than our own has the power to change the world.

A native New Englander and imaginary New Yorker, Victoria lives in Boston and her hometown of Duxbury, MA. If not reading or writing, she is most often exhibiting her “I’m just here to have fun” dance moves or happily dive-flopping in the sea.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRC from Edelweiss and Penguin Random House
Cute continuation of the series - but you don't need to have read the others to enjoy this one.
Hattie and her father take hikes in the woods and bring Fenway along. Hattie decides to try to train Fenway to come at her command while off the leash. The first day of hiking goes well. Fenway returns each time Hattie calls. But on day two, there are plenty of squirrels to distract Fenway and things do not go as planned. Will Fenway ever get to go off leash again? Will he continue to bite the leash to get Hattie to release him?

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenway is a truly appealing dog (speaking as a dog-lover) and that is true whether you enjoy dog stories or not. Told through Fenway's voice and perspective, he is devoted to his "short human" but also is a curious, adventurous character by nature. The humor emerges from this distinct point of view and mitigates some of the anxious worry that might emerge when his opportunity to run free results in his getting separated from his "short human". In his case, he not only attempts to make that connection again but to prevent his human from "wandering off" and getting lost again. This is a series kids will really enjoys across many ages, with enough plot and character complexity to lay the groundwork for longer/older novels.

[Kirsten Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fenway finally convinces his human to let him off of the leash so he can protect her from squirrels. When he gets lost chasing a squirrel away though, he is afraid that she's in danger and he won't be able to protect her. Maybe the leash isn't so bad after all.
This was a cute read from the point of view of a puppy so younger readers will find it amusing. I feel like this is what my dog thinks every day and was entertained even if it was a bit silly and simple. Fans of animal books will enjoy Fenway.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clever and entertaining for young kids.

[Heather Remoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenway and the Great Escape by Victoria J. Coe is a page-turning adventure for dog-loving young readers everywhere. Told from the point of view of a Jack Russell Terrier, the book gently builds empathy for those who see things a bit differently. The charming surprise twist at the end brings the message of love and caring full circle. Highly recommended!

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.