When friendship followed me home

A boy's chance encounter with a scruffy dog leads to an unforgettable friendship in this deeply moving story about life, loss, and the meaning of family Ben Coffin has never been one for making friends.

As a former foster kid, he knows people can up and leave without so much as a goodbye.

Ben prefers to spend his time with the characters in his favorite sci-fi booksuntil he rescues an abandoned mutt from the ally next-door to the Coney Island Library.

Scruffy little Flip leads Ben to befriend a fellow book-lover named Halleyyes, likethe cometa girl unlike anyone he has ever met.

Ben begins thinking of her as ';Rainbow Girl' because of her crazy-colored clothes and her laugh, pure magic, the kindthatmakes you smile away the stormiest day.

Rainbow Girl convinces Ben to write a novelwith her.

But as their story unfolds Ben's life begins to unravel, and Ben must discover for himself the truth about friendship and the meaning of home.

Paul Griffin's breathtaking middle-grade debut will warm your heart as much as it breaks it with a story about two unforgettable kids standing at the crossroads of happiness and loss. "Full of pace and laughter, bruises and heart. Paul Griffin is the sort of writer you're torn between telling the whole world about and keeping all to yourself."Markus Zusak, author of Printz Honor WinnerThe Book Thief';';Friendship' is an absolutely beautiful, heart-expanding book.

I cried, but more than that I felt this giant balloon of love for everyone.

This story convinced me all over again that love and imagination are life's biggest magic.

It'll make you want to grab hold of everyone important to you and lick them on the nose.'Rebecca Stead, author of Newbery Award winnerWhen You Reach Me"Some books change the way you see the world.

Some change the way you breathe. This book will leave you breathless. This is Paul Griffin's best book yetand that's really saying something." Patricia McCormick, author of National Book Award FinalistSold"When Friendship Followed Me Homeis both a beautiful book, and an honest book; it is, in fact, beautiful because it is honest.

We see the pain of loss, and the glory of community.

We see love in its many forms, and we witness the truth that love goes on despite all barriers.

Cheer for Ben and Halley: it is kids like these who are our hope.' Gary D.

Schmidt, author ofOkay for NowFrom the Hardcover edition.