Dog Squad

Book 1

The Smartest Kid in the Universe by Chris Grabenstein
Middle Grade (8-12)
Random House, 2022

ISBN‏: ‎ 9780593301760

FULL SERIES

Dog Squad

Book 1

AWARDS

2024-2025 Virginia Reader’s Choice Award Nominee • 2024 Delaware Blue Hen Children’s Choice Award Nominee • North Carolina Children’s Book Award Nominee • Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee • South Carolina Children’s Book Award Nominee • Young Hoosier (Indiana) Book Award Nominee

ABOUT THE BOOK

When trouble calls… it’s Dog Squad to the rescue.

Duke is not your average dog. Along with his crew, he fights crime and goes on claw-biting adventures helping dogs in peril in the hit streaming sensation—DOG SQUAD!

Fred, on the other paw, is a pretty average dog. He’s scrappy. He’s loveable. But he’s not brave like his heroes on Dog Squad.

But Fred does look an awful lot like Duke. In fact, when Duke needs a stand-in, Fred’s the perfect choice. But the Dog Squad action doesn’t always stop on screen! When there’s danger in real life, can Fred find the courage to step up and save the day?!

It’s all paws on deck in this action-packed, middle grade adventure series just right for anyone who loves dogs—and anyone who loves to laugh!

REVIEWS

“Hilarious… snappy…. Laced with positive messages but never preachy, this allegorical, fast-paced, rollicking adventure will appeal to all readers. Through expertly paced conflict and characterization, this canine adventure shows what it means to be brave.”
School Library Journal

“This stands all four paws firmly on its own.”
Booklist

“Ideal for reluctant readers with its short chapters, energetic illustrations, plentiful action, and ‘pawsome’ puns. Doggone fun.”
Kirkus Reviews

EXTRAS

Meet Fred: The Inspiration for Dog Squad

Fred starring on Broadway in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chris and the real Fred