Chester and the Magic 8 Ball is a heart-tugging, sometimes surprising, always engaging delight. I loved Georgia’s fierce innocence. She had me believing in that Magic 8 Ball, too! I ached for her and cheered for her and commiserated with her. I appreciated that there were no easy answers, no magic solutions, to fixing a family that is breaking apart or dealing with fraught middle school friendships. I remember learning for myself (dim and distant past!) that “best” doesn’t mean “only” with friends. And Chester. I mean, really. Every family should have a Chester. Even if that’s a well cared for goldfish named Chester. (You'll understand this reference once you read the book.) I was given the opportunity to review the book before publication. It's a joy to recommend it without reservation. ( )

A fun read as Georgia decides her dog can predict the future. Georgia likes what her dog predicts. I like how she interacted with her dog and the fun they had but also how it had a message too.

I opted to read this book because I like dogs. The story is easy to follow and moves quickly. Though there are some heavy topics, such as parental relationships and serious illness, they aren't delved into too deeply and the approach is straight forward. That said, they are still relevant to the story as main character Georgia finds ways to face and cope with these turbulent events. This is a book worth reading for someone who is looking for a path to answers for themselves. ( )

★★★★☆
Georgia always wanted a dog, but the day Chester, the toothless dog, becomes part of their family, her dad moves out. How can this be? A dog was supposed to make everyone happy again and stop fighting. Georgia is devastated. In her desperation, she turns toward Chester for comfort. Georgia quickly learns that Chester has a special gift: he can predict the future with the help of her Magic 8 Ball. And he gives her hope, forecasting that her family will be fine. But the way her parents act doesn’t feel right. And what is going on with her best friend?
Soon, a simple wish to keep the family together becomes a powerful life lesson.

(Spoiler)
“I know there are plenty of things in my life I can’t control, there are some things I can control. I’m here because, like all those messages in a Magic 8 Ball, sometimes the answers in life are hazy, unpredictable, improbable, and disappointing. But other times, like today, everything points to a positive outlook, a likely YES. I’m learning to improve the odds, and I don’t need a Magic 8 Ball.”
(Spoiler over)

I always love great character development, and Georgia showed me that tweens are able to understand life and its complications in a way that marks their transition into adulthood. Still controlled by their emotional personalities, they are starting to make connections to the rational side of life. Eventually, see the bigger picture. Understanding that they are able to make a difference in the world. Taking control doesn’t always mean having all the answers, but improving the odds of success. ( )

This was the sweetest book. I loved how hopeful and persistent Georgia was when she was trying to convince her mom to get a dog. And while the book addresses some tough issues, it does it in a hopeful and positve way. I loved it!

I was given an ARC through the LibraryThings Early Reviewers program to give an honest review. ( )