By Colleen Nelson & Tara Anderson
The West Highland Terrier that brought Harvey Comes Home to life returns with his tail wagging and his nose sharp, ready for a new adventure
Harvey the West Highland Terrier is back with his beloved Maggie. He is also back at Brayside retirement home, where he and Maggie now volunteer along with their friend Austin. There Maggie is drawn to a new resident, Mrs. Fradette, who tells stories of learning to fix cars as a twelve-year-old during the flood of 1950. Mrs. Fradette, with her bold fashion and love of poker, doesn’t fit in among the beige-cardigan-wearing, bridge-playing ladies of Brayside, but she doesn’t seem to care. Maybe that’s why Maggie likes her so much. Since seventh grade began, Maggie hasn’t been fitting in well with her friends, either.
Harvey has a problem of his own. He can smell an intruder in his yard, and he needs to find it. He is so intent on the nighttime fiend that he almost doesn’t notice how worried Austin is about his grandfather, who has been Brayside’s custodian for longer than Harvey has been alive. It seems like the retirement home is planning to give the job to a younger man, an injustice that Austin can’t let pass unchallenged.
In intertwining perspectives, Colleen Nelson tells four stories of individuals standing firm for what they know is right: Josephine Fradette, insisting on her right to become a mechanic; Maggie, certain that her friends’ expectations shouldn’t define who she becomes; Austin, indignantly campaigning against ageism; and Harvey, who has found his home at last and is determined to protect it.
Praise for Harvey Holds His Own
2020 Governor General’s Literary Award: Young People’s Literature – Text Finalist
2022 OLA Forest of Reading Silver Birch Fiction Award nominee
2020 Northern Lights Book Award: Middle-Grade Historical Fiction Category Winner
2021 High Plains Book Award Finalist
2021 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens Selection
“With the winning combination of a relatable main character and an adorable dog, this book should find a home with readers seeking a warmhearted tale of growth and connection.”—School Library Journal
“Not a common story but eminently believable. Characters…are lovingly developed, resulting in deeply engaging coming-of-age story.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Heartwarming…Harvey Holds His Own is a charming novel whose important life lessons are bettered by the love of a good dog.”—Foreword Reviews
“With fantastic characters and unique perspectives, Harvey Holds His Own is a middle grade contemporary that will appeal to the preteen audience well. Great for animal lovers and middle schoolers dealing with evolving friendships.”—YA Books Central
“Both Harvey Comes Home and Harvey Holds His Own are heartwarming tales that will be much loved by anyone who has ever owned a dog or wanted one….The chapters are also kept short so that even reluctant readers will not find these stories too challenging to read….I highly encourage parents, teachers and librarians to add these two titles to their shelves and hope there will be another story coming soon.”—Canadian Children’s Book News
“In a gently paced and heartfelt way, Nelson juggles three separate but intersecting story trajectories… Fans of the original and newcomers alike will relish the riveting friendship story contained within the pages of Harvey Holds His Own. Highly Recommended.”—CM Magazine
“Harvey is the star: a lovable, brave and resourceful little dog.”—Winnipeg Free Press
“Colleen Nelson, with her compassionate heart and love for Westies…gives us a story of a girl, a boy and a dog (or two) that will make readers happy, both entertaining and reassuring them that things can work out well in the end. And while many will be drawn to this middle-grade novel because it is an animal story at its core, there are important messages about courage and perseverance, friendships new and old, and even love.”—CanLit for LittleCanadians
“Colleen Nelson’s touching and wonderfully layered sequel, Harvey Holds His Own, tells a story of change, connection, and courage….Along with delightful, expertly shaded illustrations by Tara Anderson, Harvey Holds His Own is a heartfelt and wholly enjoyable read that will leave you with the warmest of feelings.”—Band of MG Books
“Harvey is a great dog, and his interactions with the residents is very touching. Maggie’s friendship with Mrs. Fradette (and Mrs. Fradette’s vintage car!) really shine.”—Ms. Yingling Reads
“I love how Colleen Nelson tells this story in three different voices….There is such a wonderful cast of characters in this book, especially all of the seniors at Brayside. Colleen Nelson has captured so many different personalities among the residents and has painted seniors in a way to inform young readers about all the knowledge, wisdom and life that can be learned from the older generation….This story will leave the reader feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and secretly hoping for another Harvey tale.”—Storytime with Stephanie
“I really enjoyed this book, as we see Maggie grow and venture into new experiences. She shows good character, and we learn a little about Winnipeg history as well.”—Canadian Bookworm
“Rating: ★★★★★…[A] great story! [Harvey Holds His Own] could be read as a stand-alone or as a sequel to Harvey Comes Home.”—Jill’s Book Blog
