Hedge Over Heels

Written by Elise McMullen-Ciotti

A book for readers in grades 3 and up reviewed by Mia

        

In Hedge Over Heels, a girl named Rayna really wants a dog. However, her mom works for the army, which would make it hard to look after a dog given that they need a lot of time and attention. 

When Rayna's mom decides that it's time to get her a pet, Rayna is excited. She thinks that it’s time for her to get the dog of her dreams. However, Rayna's pet is revealed to her, and it's a hedgehog. Initially, Rayna isn’t happy with her new pet, but when she goes to the pet store to buy supplies, she learns that hedgehogs can be cool.

One of Rayna’s goals in her new home is to not make any friends because it would hurt too much when it’s time to finally say goodbye. Her mom wants to have a barbeque, although Rayna is opposed to it. At the barbeque, she meets some new friends who also own pets. Like her, they will be competing in a pet talent show. Later at school, she is tutored by a boy named Nick, and they eventually become great friends.

I enjoyed Hedge Over Heels. First and foremost, it is about pets, and I enjoy books similar to this. Secondly, I have read a few other books where a girl gets a pet that she initially doesn't want and ends up loving it. I enjoy books similar to these, and I would definitely recommend this one to any pet lovers.