In her debut middle-grade novel, My Dog, Olivia Wakeford delivers a poignant story that explores grief, family dynamics, and the special bond between a child and their dog. “My Dog,” beautifully illustrated by David Litchfield, follows ten-year-old Rhys as he navigates the aftermath of his mother’s death, a move to London with his estranged father, and his relationship with a mysterious black Labrador named Worthington.
The story begins in a Welsh hospital where Rhys’s mother is gravely ill. While visiting her, Rhys discovers a black Labrador hiding under her bed—a dog that no one else seems to notice. When his mother passes away that night, Rhys returns home to find the same dog in his garden den. Convinced that no one will claim this “lost” dog, Rhys takes ownership of Worthington, hiding him from his father who “hates dogs.”
Character Development: Authentic and Memorable
Wakeford’s greatest strength lies in her authentic portrayal of a grieving child. Rhys’s voice rings true throughout—sometimes angry, sometimes confused, but always genuine. His internal struggles with loss, change, and identity are depicted with remarkable sensitivity. As readers, we experience his pain when he overhears his father saying “maybe we made a mistake bringing him here,” his confusion as he tries to navigate new relationships in London, and his fierce desire to protect his connection with Worthington.
The supporting characters are equally well-drawn:
- Dad (Ben) – Initially portrayed through Rhys’s biased lens as uncaring and distant, he gradually emerges as a father struggling with his own grief and trying his best to connect with his son
- Lucy – Rhys’s stepmother, suffering from postpartum depression that’s handled with care and nuance
- Evie – The baby half-sister whom Rhys gradually learns to embrace as family
- Kayla – A neighbor with cerebral palsy whose episode on “The Dog Rescuers” makes her a bridge between Rhys’s old life and new one
But it’s Worthington, the mysterious Labrador, who shines brightest. His peculiar behaviors—limping on different paws, refusing to eat from plates, never barking—create an intriguing puzzle for readers that pays off beautifully in the novel’s emotional climax.
Themes: Deep and Resonant
“My Dog” by Olivia Wakeford tackles complex themes with remarkable grace, making them accessible to young readers without oversimplification:
Grief and Healing
The novel explores how grief manifests differently in each character. Rhys avoids his mother’s funeral, unable to say goodbye. His father buries himself in work. His grandmother becomes overly protective. Through Worthington, Rhys finds comfort and a way to process his feelings, showing how pets can provide emotional support during difficult times.
Family Reconfiguration
Wakeford skillfully portrays the challenges of blended families. Rhys’s reluctance to accept his new family in London, his jealousy of baby Evie, and his gradual understanding that loving his new family doesn’t mean betraying his mother’s memory are all handled with exceptional insight.
Truth, Lies, and Consequences
As Rhys struggles to hide Worthington, he gets tangled in a web of lies that cost him friendships and trust. The novel doesn’t shy away from showing the painful consequences of dishonesty, while still maintaining empathy for why Rhys feels compelled to lie.
Narrative Technique: Captivating and Clever
The narrative is tightly woven, with early details paying off later in satisfying ways. Wakeford employs a first-person perspective that allows readers to experience Rhys’s emotional journey intimately. The prose is accessible but never dumbed down, with enough complexity to challenge young readers while remaining engaging.
The book’s greatest narrative achievement is its subtle handling of the central question: Is Worthington real or imaginary? Wakeford drops clues throughout—Mrs. B’s uncertain memory of seeing a dog, Fuzzles the cat eating food left for Worthington, the dog’s peculiar behaviors—that create ambiguity without frustration. When the revelation comes, it feels earned rather than manipulative.
Shortcomings: A Few Bumps Along the Way
Despite its many strengths, “My Dog” by Olivia Wakeford isn’t without flaws:
- Pacing issues in the middle sections – The London school scenes occasionally drag, with some repetitive elements that could have been trimmed
- Secondary characters needing more depth – While Kayla is well-developed, characters like Ahmad and Henry sometimes feel like they serve plot functions more than existing as fully realized individuals
- Convenient resolutions – Some conflicts wrap up a bit too neatly, particularly Henry’s quick forgiveness of Rhys’s serious lie that caused him significant trouble
These issues are minor, however, in the context of what the novel achieves emotionally and thematically.
Educational Value: Learning Through Story
Beyond its emotional impact, “My Dog” by Olivia Wakeford offers young readers exposure to:
- Mental health representation (Lucy’s postpartum depression)
- Disability representation (Kayla’s cerebral palsy)
- Grief processing strategies
- The importance of honesty and taking responsibility
- The value of empathy and understanding others’ perspectives
The book never feels didactic, however, with these elements naturally woven into the narrative fabric.
Comparative Analysis
“My Dog” by Olivia Wakeford sits comfortably alongside other acclaimed middle-grade novels exploring grief and animal companions, such as:
- “The Last Bear” by Hannah Gold – Similar in its emotional depth and attention to the child-animal bond
- “October, October” by Katya Balen – Shares themes of a child adapting to family changes
- “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness – While tonally different, both books use elements of magical realism to explore grief
What distinguishes Wakeford’s work is her exceptional ear for authentic child narration and her ability to balance serious themes with moments of humor and warmth.
Final Verdict: A Remarkable Debut
“My Dog” by Olivia Wakeford is an impressive debut novel that handles complex emotions with sensitivity, honesty, and heart. Though not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its few weaknesses, making it a valuable addition to children’s literature on grief and healing.
Strengths:
- Authentic child narrator voice
- Nuanced handling of grief and family dynamics
- Clever narrative structure with satisfying payoffs
- Well-balanced tone that acknowledges pain without wallowing
- Realistic character development across the story arc
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasional pacing issues
- Some secondary characters could be more fully developed
- A few too-convenient plot resolutions
For parents, teachers, and librarians looking for books that help children process loss, family changes, or simply appreciate a well-crafted story about the powerful bond between a child and a dog, “My Dog” is an excellent choice. Wakeford has established herself as a promising new voice in children’s literature, one who doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions while still providing the comfort and hope young readers need.
This book will undoubtedly find a special place in the hearts of readers who have experienced loss or significant life changes, as well as those who have found comfort in the unconditional love of a pet. Like Worthington himself, this story leaves pawprints on your heart that won’t soon fade.
Ideal For:
- Readers aged 9-12
- Children processing grief or family changes
- Dog lovers and animal enthusiasts
- Fans of emotionally nuanced middle-grade fiction
- Classroom discussions about empathy and understanding
“My Dog” by Olivia Wakeford reminds us that accepting the present doesn’t mean forgetting the past—a valuable lesson delivered through a story as faithful and loving as the dogs we cherish.
