Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, funny tween tale of friendship and family.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
TO NIGHT OWL FROM DOGFISH tells how two 12-year-old girls with opposite personalities, and who live on opposite sides of the country, become best friends, and maybe even family. At first the two resist their fathers' attempts to bring them closer together, but they eventually warm up to each other and learn that they actually make a pretty good team. Through summer camp adventures and meddling in their fathers' romance, they learn what if means to be a family, and what it takes to be a friend.
Is It Any Good?
Veteran authors Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer have teamed up to create a sweet, funny, and touching story of tween friendship and the ties that bind. To Night Owl From Dogfish is told exclusively through email exchanges and letters, unfolding the story from interesting points of view. The light, breezy format also adds a lot of appeal for reluctant readers.
Tweens will easily relate to the authentic, distinct voices of Avery and Bett as they explore what family and friendship mean through their dads' romance, and reunite with long-lost and distant loved ones. The plot is well constructed to keep the pages turning. Be sure to have a tissue handy for Avery and Bett's wedding toast.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how To Night Owl From Dogfish starts out with an email from a stranger. Why does Avery trust that Bett is who she says she is? What could go wrong communicating with someone that way? What are your family's rules about email, texting, and social media?
What are Avery's and Bett's character strengths? What do you like about them? What are their weaknesses?
What do you think makes a family? What about a good friend? How can families and friendships help you through hard times?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : February 12, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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