Fight for Life (Vet Volunteers)

Maggie's grandmother runs an animal clinic, Dr. Mac's place, so Maggie knows her way around animals who are in danger. when she learns that the abused and sick puppies flooding the clinic are from an illegal puppy mill, she knows that she has to find out who's running it, where it is—and save the rest of the dogs.

Children's Literature

This new American Girl series has as its setting the Wild at Heart Animal Clinic, run by eleven-year-old Maggie's grandmother, Dr. J. J. MacKenzie. While Maggie is a whiz at the clinic, feeding and tending the animals, she struggles in school. When Gran calls in Brenna to volunteer so that Maggie can concentrate on homework, and adds volunteers Sunita and David when sick and abused puppies appear at the clinic, it is almost more than Maggie can stand. Zoe, Maggie's cousin from New York City, comes to stay for a while, and Maggie must share the clinic with all these new people. Soon, however, Maggie enlists their help to find the owner of a suspected puppy mill. Arrest of the owner follows, and Maggie's adventures earn credit for a class project. Plenty of realistic detail about caring for animals will satisfy would-be vets while the mystery and action will provide a light, satisfying read. Struggling students may emulate Maggie who finally accepts help from a tutor to fulfill her dream of becoming a veterinarian. The vet volunteers, each with distinct and interesting personalities, will soon be featured in their own books in the series. Book One of the Wild at Heart American Girl series. 2000, Pleasant Company Publications/Wild at Heart, Ages 7 to 11, $4.95. Reviewer: Martha Shaw—Children's Literature