Weaver: The First Year
DD Sterner
Crimson Dragon Publishing (2026)
ISBN: 978-1944644772
Reviewed by Dawn Colclasure for Reader Views (06/2026)
Can Weaver find his furever home? That is the question at the beginning of this story. Weaver is a Labernard dog (part Labrador and part St. Bernard) that was hoping to be adopted on Adoption Day at the pet store. But after no one takes Weaver home with them, the store owners decide to take Weaver to an animal shelter. The ride to the shelter is bumpy, and the box that Weaver is in ends up tumbling out of the truck. Weaver sits alone in the cold rain until a kind soul takes him home, and thus begins a new life for this adorable doggy who only wants a family to rescue. In Weaver: The First Year by DD Sterner, kids will fall in love with this adorable dog.
When the children’s grandfather moves in, Weaver wonders if this is another human who needs rescuing. After observing the grandfather’s strange actions, he realizes that he is. This character in the story is obviously someone living with Alzheimer’s. His condition is portrayed in the story in a very gentle and nonjudgmental way. This is a good teachable moment for young readers who may have a relative dealing with this same disease.
Aside from Weaver noticing when the grandfather is having one of those moments where he is forgetful or in the past, lots of antics and hijinks happen in this story. Weaver is a big dog, so lots of things get knocked over when he wrestles with a family member. And like every dog, he loves to eat treats, so a birthday party he was not invited to gets messy with food on the ground after Weaver invites himself. He goes on an adventure when he wanders off and gets to help two young detectives solve the case of a missing shoe.
There are times in this story when Weaver’s St. Bernard side shows, such as when he rescues a character who is in the middle of traffic, but his playful Labrador side also shows. He is loyal and protective of his family, guarding the family’s yard, making sure gates are closed, and being extra attentive when anyone in the family is doing something dangerous. They are very lucky to have Weaver in the family, as he often saves the day and looks out for them.
Weaver is such a lovable and sweet dog, and so is this story about his first year with a family. Told from the point of view of the dog, Weaver: The First Year by DD Sterner is sure to delight readers young and old.
At a Glance: A heartwarming middle grade animal story told from a rescue dog’s perspective. After finding a loving family, Weaver’s first year is filled with playful adventures, quiet acts of heroism, and gentle lessons about Alzheimer’s, loyalty, and belonging.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy: rescue dog stories, animal adventures, heartwarming family fiction, books about pets, gentle stories about Alzheimer’s, dog point of view, wholesome reads, friendship and loyalty, middle grade animal lovers