Hooper Finds a Family - A Hurricane Katrina Dog's Survival Tale

Winner of the Christopher Award and Florida's Sunshine State Young Readers Award

He's endearing. He's funny. He's a survivor.

In this moving tale of adventure and triumph based on a true story, meet Hooper, the tenacious puppy who makes an incredible journey in search of home.

Here comes Hooper, one plucky, spunky dog whose warm spirit and goofy personality are irresistible. Hooper tells his own dramatic rescue tale after being left homeless in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and taking a daring trip from New Orleans to New York to meet his new family.

He tells of the terrifying force of Katrina, his trials in the shelter, and being the new dog on the block in a city far from home. As Hooper struggles to find his place, he learns to overcome his fear of water and faces down feisty squirrels as well as the resident bully and top dog in his new neighborhood.

“A heartwarming story about moving forward after trauma and loss by making space for new loved ones and new possibilities.” —Kirkus

“Paley fills her gentle first novel with engaging animal characters. Readers may be similarly moved to stand up to their fears.” —Publishers Weekly

This is more than a survival story—it’s about a little dog learning to be brave all over again.

Based on a True Story: Follow the real-life journey of a puppy left homeless by Hurricane Katrina who traveled from New Orleans to New York City to find his forever home. A Dog's Point of View: Experience the entire adventure through Hooper's own endearing and funny voice as he tries to make sense of his big new world. An Animal Survival Story: From facing down floodwaters and feisty squirrels to navigating a noisy animal shelter, Hooper proves that even the smallest survivor can be mighty. Overcoming Fear: A heartfelt tale for middle grade readers about moving forward after trauma, as Hooper learns to trust again and stand up to the neighborhood bully.