Parents' Guide to

Elvis and the Underdogs: Secrets, Secret Service, and Room Service

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Frail boy and huge talking dog reunite in D.C. adventure.

Book Jenny Lee Friendship 2014
Elvis and the Underdogs: Secrets, Secret Service, and Room Service Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

It's been more than three months since 200-pound Newfie Elvis has gone off to be the president's dog at the White House, and 10-year-old Benji is still miserable, despite the best efforts of new friends Alexander and Taisy. His new service dog, Ripley, performs his duties perfectly -- but he's not Elvis. Then the kids spot a video on YouTube. In the foreground, the president is giving a speech. In the background, Elvis is doing this weird thumping thing with his tail. It's a message to Benji in Morse code! Soon the kids are figuring out how to get their parents to take them to Washington, D.C., so they can connect with Elvis and come to the rescue. Shenanigans involving hotels, archery contests, baked goods, and international diplomacy ensue.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

As with Book 1, ELVIS AND THE UNDERDOGS: SECRETS, SECRET SERVICE, AND ROOM SERVICE is lighthearted, fanciful, and a bit over the top. It's also poignant and heartfelt as Benji pines for Elvis, and each of the kids grapples with his or her own challenges: Taisy worries about the next sports contest she's expected to ace, "human computer" Alexander explains why he thinks it's unethical for him to enter a spelling bee, and sickly Benji hopes the next adventure doesn't land him in the emergency room -- again.

Author Jenny Lee, a sitcom writer and producer ​(of Disney series Shake It Up), effectively delivers the tale in Benji's voice, and Kelly Light's fun illustrations will entertain young readers, even reluctant ones. Parents looking for books with ethnically diverse characters also​ may appreciate that Alexander is Korean-Jewish while Taisy's parents, both star athletes, are African-American and Swedish.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why stories about talking animals -- and the people they meet -- are so popular. What others do you know? Are they always funny or cute, or can they be scary?

  • Have you ever been to Washington, D.C.? What did you do when you were there? Do you think you'd like to visit the White House?

  • Do you know any kids who have service dogs? How do the dogs help the kids?

Book Details

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