Storm Dog

For those who have ever felt out of place, this affirming and heartwarming middle grade book tells a powerful story of a military family in the American South, the love of a dog, and the power of music. Perfect for fans of Maxi's Secrets and How to Steal a Dog, and for anyone who's ever loved a dog.

Whip-smart Ariel doesn’t fit in. Only in the winds of the Blue Ridge Mountains and spring storms that mirror the unhappiness she feels at home.

Her brother understands her, but he’s in Afghanistan. Her father hasn't been the same since George deployed. Her mother focuses on Ariel’s gorgeous sister. When Gloria is selected to be an Apple Blossom Parade princess, Ariel feels even more the outsider and takes to the hills.

There, during a raging storm, Ariel finds a lost rescue dog who leads her to the safety of a cabin and Sergeant Josie, a former Army K-9 handler. Together—with music, dog-dancing, and a storm-child-crazy plan—the three outcasts find themselves.

In this whimsical coming of age story of self-discovery, L. M. Elliott captures the flavor of Virginia’s hunt country and Appalachia, while exploring definitions of beauty and belonging. Storm Dog will make readers proud to dance to their own rhythms.

Ariel, her new dog, and a lonely veteran might be outcasts—but together they’re about to find their rhythm.

• A Healing Friendship: Ariel feels lost, the dog she finds is traumatized, and Sergeant Josie is haunted by her past. Can three lonely souls save each other in this heartwarming story about belonging?
• The Power of Music: Discover a unique tale of dog dancing, where rhythm and melody become the language that helps a girl and a dog find their confidence and their voice.
• Complex Family Drama: With her brother deployed to Afghanistan and a sister who gets all the attention, Ariel has never felt more alone in her own family.
• Rich Appalachian Setting: From the stormy peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the traditions of the Apple Blossom Parade, immerse yourself in the authentic flavor of rural Virginia.

"I love Ariel for her resilient spirit! She honors the comforting premise that our sense of belonging in this world comes of extending ourselves to others—human and canine! Laura Elliot has crafted an engaging and relevant story." - Leslie Connor, author of The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle and A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

"Storm Dog approaches like a gentle rain shower and then whirls into your heart like a wild frenzy. Thunder and music, dogs and dancing, Storm Dog is ultimately a story about loyalty, about longing, and no one can teach humans those two things better than a pack of fuzzy frolicking pooches. Storm Dog will make readers dance!" - Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, author of A Dog Like Daisy and Zeus, Dog of Chaos

"An entertaining tale of angst, good dogs, and satisfying achievement." - Kirkus Reviews