FOUND!
by Mari Corso
by Mari Corso
Some things you find on purpose.
Others find you when you least expect it.
Twelve-year-old Livia Flores is beyond tired of being the new kid. Every time her military family moves, she has to start over—new school, new hallways, new everything. After her latest cross-country move and leaving her three best friends, Livia makes a promise to herself: no more getting attached. No new friends. No big feelings. No sticking out.
Then she meets him.
A scruffy, little dog ends up trailing Livia home. He has no tags, no name, and no clue what to do next. Livia knows bringing him inside is a terrible idea… but leaving him out there alone feels even worse.
So begins Operation Hide-the-Dog—a plan filled with early-morning escapes, near-disasters, sardines, and a dog who seems to have a story hiding behind his worried eyes. Together Livia and “Duncan” set out to solve the mystery of where he came from and who he belongs to.
But searching for Duncan’s owner pulls Livia into more adventure—and more trouble—than she expected, dragging her out of the protective shell she’s built around herself. In order to help Duncan, she must talk to neighbors, ask for help, and actually interact with kids at school—things she hasn’t dared to do since her last big goodbye.
Helping Duncan find where he belongs isn’t easy—especially when part of her hopes that “home” might be with her. But through it all, Livia discovers something important: maybe being found isn’t about staying put… It’s about letting yourself be seen again.
Warm, funny, and full of heart, FOUND! is a Middle Grade story of belonging, resilience, and the unexpected connections that help us grow—perfect for readers who love books about dogs, friendship, and new beginnings.
Others find you when you least expect it.
Twelve-year-old Livia Flores is beyond tired of being the new kid. Every time her military family moves, she has to start over—new school, new hallways, new everything. After her latest cross-country move and leaving her three best friends, Livia makes a promise to herself: no more getting attached. No new friends. No big feelings. No sticking out.
Then she meets him.
A scruffy, little dog ends up trailing Livia home. He has no tags, no name, and no clue what to do next. Livia knows bringing him inside is a terrible idea… but leaving him out there alone feels even worse.
So begins Operation Hide-the-Dog—a plan filled with early-morning escapes, near-disasters, sardines, and a dog who seems to have a story hiding behind his worried eyes. Together Livia and “Duncan” set out to solve the mystery of where he came from and who he belongs to.
But searching for Duncan’s owner pulls Livia into more adventure—and more trouble—than she expected, dragging her out of the protective shell she’s built around herself. In order to help Duncan, she must talk to neighbors, ask for help, and actually interact with kids at school—things she hasn’t dared to do since her last big goodbye.
Helping Duncan find where he belongs isn’t easy—especially when part of her hopes that “home” might be with her. But through it all, Livia discovers something important: maybe being found isn’t about staying put… It’s about letting yourself be seen again.
Warm, funny, and full of heart, FOUND! is a Middle Grade story of belonging, resilience, and the unexpected connections that help us grow—perfect for readers who love books about dogs, friendship, and new beginnings.
Available in 2 Formats:
ISBN 978-1953263452 (paperback)
ISBN 978-1953263469 (ebook)
ISBN 978-1953263452 (paperback)
ISBN 978-1953263469 (ebook)