"The cross-species body switch in Phinney's delightful middle-grade debut is ripe for comedy, but she digs deeper to explore the canine/human bond through the perspectives of a charismatic golden retriever and lonely 11-year-old boy. At the annual fall festival in Maple Shade, Scout is awaiting adoption, and even though the competition is stiff, he's confident that he'll find a new family. Instead, he's grabbed up by a gruff man looking for a hunting dog. Making his escape, Scout collides with Jaxson Brennan, who's just moved to town and is exploring the area on his skateboard.

After the crash, Phinney's alternating first-person narration captures the pair's panicked responses-and their realization that they've somehow exchanged bodies. Quickly perceiving they can communicate telepathically, the two decide to stick together to "get [the] mess sorted out." But adjusting to life as a pet is no easy job, and, as Jax tries to teach Scout the basics of being a human, they also must work to convince Jax's parents not to send Scout-now dubbed an emotional support dog-to the animal shelter. While battling bullies and a menacing hunter, their connection grows, and Phinney adds suspense with the pair's engagement in creative-and increasingly dangerous-schemes to switch their bodies back.

By communicating with other dogs and letting their new friend Sasha, one of Jax's classmates, in on their secret, Scout and Jax both expand their alliance and cement their bond. The overall tone is light-hearted, but Phinney also touches on the importance of friendship, the true meaning of home, and how to adapt to new places. Young readers will root for Jax and Scout to figure a way out of their predicament-and to remain present in each other's lives. Fast-paced and quick-witted, A Dog and His Boy: The Switch uses a fantastical situation to explore the value of problem-solving, self-discovery, and friendship."

-BookLife