A Girl, A Boy, and A Monster Cat — Gail Gauthier

Sam's house would have been the perfect place for Brandon to go after school. The big-screen TV is on all the time, and Sam is a boy. Instead, Brandon's mom sends him to Hannah's, where he is forced to play imaginary games in which Hannah is always the hero. Even the cat, Buttercup, gets more exciting roles than Brandon. Then a new neighbor moves in with a tiny dog who is actually quite fierce. He gives Hannah lots of material for games, but when Buttercup defends her territory with some malicious tactics, reality becomes much more exciting than fiction.

With humor perfect for 2nd and 3rd graders, Gail is certain to win over this younger audience.