Josh has just moved to cold, snowy Vermont with his mother, stepfather, and new baby brother. As if adjusting to a new home, a new family, and a new school isn't hard enough—Josh also has to adjust to a new bully, Wes Rockett.

Then one day Josh's dog, Manch, gets loose. When Josh follows him to the field where Manch plays, he is surprised to discover that Manch can talk, and his dog's got a bully of his own to deal with. Can Josh find a way to solve all of their bully problems without leading them to danger?

Newbery Medal—winning author Katherine Paterson delivers another touching and accessible story for young readers.