How to Steal a Dog
by Barbara O'Connor

This is a middle grade book that I reread as an adult. I actually cried as I noticed things I don’t remember when I had read it as a kid, especially with the protagonist arguing at her mother and demanding things in her childish ignorance.

The protagonist faces a tough financial situation and commits to her decisions with agency. The story is short and focuses on a moral dilemma. Her thought process is suited for her age, and she’s relatable.

I honestly thought it was amazing how much the author alludes to the American working class situation without being depressing about it.

If you want a simple story about a desperate protagonist, a realistic depiction of a subset of American life, and a happy ending, try this book.