A boy’s chance encounter with a scruffy dog leads to an unforgettable friendship in this deeply moving story about life, loss and the meaning of family.

Ben Coffin has never felt like he fits in. A former foster kid, he keeps his head down at school to avoid bullies and spends his afternoons reading sci-fi books at the library. But all that changes when he finds a scruffy abandoned dog named Flip and befriends the librarian’s daughter, Halley. For the first time, Ben starts to feel like he belongs in his own life. Then everything changes, and suddenly Ben is more alone than ever. But with a little help from Halley’s magician father, Ben discovers his place in the world and learns to see his own magic through others’ eyes.

Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, When Friendship Followed Me Home is a must-read for dog lovers and fans of emotionally resonant middle-grade novels.

Paul Griffin is a teacher and a devoted helper of at-risk and special-needs teens. He works with organisations like Behind the Book and Literacy for Incarcerated Teens, focusing on helping young men and women tell their stories. He is the author of several novels for young adults, including Ten Mile River, Stay with Me, Burning Blue and Adrift. Paul lives in Manhattan.

‘Those familiar with Griffin’s books for teens know that Kleenex may be needed to successfully navigate this wrenching journey, which breathes fresh, warm life into what might have been an overworked cliché. Entrancing, magical, tragic, and uplifting.’ STARRED Review, Kirkus

‘When Friendship Followed Me Home is an incredibly poignant yet beautiful middle grade read that proves even in the darkest moments throughout our lives, someone is always willing to leave the light on…I loved each and every moment.’ Diva Booknerd

‘Read it for Ben who is one of the best written and most real kids I’ve read all year. Then read it again for Halley, and again for Flip, and Tess, and Tess’s wife, Laura, who only ever appears as a photo but still has such a strong presence. Paul Griffin is now one of my new favourite authors.’ Readings

‘Life has more than one tragedy in store for Ben and correspongding heart-tugging moments for the reader, but the boy’s openness, warmth and resilience commend him to a readership far wider than the mid-primary age-group for whom the novel is so tenderly designed.’ Adelaide Advertiser

‘Think The Fault in Our Stars tenderly modulated for 10-year-olds: Paul Griffin’s first novel for middle-primary readers tackles some of the deepest and darkest moments in life with practical sensitivity and a heart-warming cast of characters…The writing is fluid, the chapters generally short, the ending uplifting–a great, heart-tugging, affirming read for the mid primary age-group and well beyond.’ Magpies

‘Featuring a cast of unforgettable characters—including the adorable dog!—this book is funny, weird, happy and sad all at the same time.’ Mania

‘A gem of a book…This gentle tale of a boy whose resilient spirit triumphs over everything life tosses his way is a treat for all ages.’ NZ Listener

‘This middle grade book is freakin’ adorable and heartbreaking, uplifting and uproarious!’ Alpha Reader

‘A gem of a book about a boy whose resilient spirit triumphs over everything life tosses his way.’ Best Books for Kids 2016, Listener  

‘This book is special. It’s a beautifully written middle grade novel.’ Reading Time

‘Griffin manages to show the resilience and vulnerability of kids in equal measure. He refuses to sugar-coat the bad things that can happen in life, and demonstrates the ways in which people can let each other down. Despite (or because of this) it offers young readers the tools and optimism to feel confident and informed when faced with tough times…funny, sweet and devastating.’ Leanne Hall, Readings