Just Gus

McCall Hoyle

Book cover for Just Gus
Image for variant 9798855157086
Book cover for Just Gus
Image for variant 9798855157086

Just Gus

Just Gus

McCall Hoyle

Member Benefits

  • 40% Off All Books - Savings that support storytellers, not stock prices.
  • Fight Book Bans - Every membership sends a book to LGBTQ+ youth in affected states.
Member Book Price
$39.63 $23.78
Non-Member Book Price $39.63

An annual membership will be billed at $48/year.

Discount applies to first-time members only. Already a member? Log in here.
View full details

Description

Return to the world of devoted working dogs and the humans they love in a new book from the best-selling author of Stella.

Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job--protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he's very good at it.

One day, Diego and his dad come to visit the farm, and Gus immediately connects to the small boy. They both like to sit still and enjoy the quiet, and Gus can tell that Diego likes being around a gentle giant of a dog, that it helps relieve the boy's constant worry.

When Gus detects the scent of a bear in the woods, he rushes to protect his flock, injuring his leg in a fight with the dangerous beast. Wounded, Gus needs to rest and heal away from his sheep, so he doesn't risk reinjuring his leg. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the North Carolina coast.

Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of saltwater and sand and neighbors who don't appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like the neighbor who reminds Gus of his first owner--the junkyard man with the heavy boots.

Gus realizes Diego might need a friend as much as his sheep need a protector, but if he can't learn to control his instincts, like barking and patrolling the neighborhood, Gus might lose his chance to stay in his new home. If he can't protect the farm or his boy, Gus worries he might never find his place in the world.

Just Gus is a tender story of belonging and of two friends who learn they are better together than they were alone.

About the Author

McCall Hoyle is an award-winning author and teacher librarian. When she grows up, she'd also like to be a professional dog trainer. She writes heartfelt books for kids of all ages and believes one of the best ways to spread hope and share her heart is by writing about the special bond between dogs and their humans. When McCall isn't writing or teaching, you can find her with one of her four-legged friends training for agility, obedience, or dock diving--or perhaps chasing make-believe bunnies with them at a lure coursing event in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains she calls home.

Critical Reviews

"Through Gus' lightly anthropomorphized thoughts (he carefully reports all human conversations he hears despite not necessarily understanding everything), Diego's overwhelming anxiety is apparent but is eased through his bond with Gus, and soon the dog realizes he has a new purpose as an emotional support animal for Diego. This is a comforting, quiet tale of a working dog slowly transitioning into a new life. Featuring a lovable animal protagonist, a relatable and persistent child trainer, and dog-training information, it's a compelling read. A gentle portrayal of a canine protagonist adjusting to a new role."-- "Kirkus"

"Delightful. I really liked the way this book dealt with the delicate subject of social anxiety and made it relatable."-- "Compass Book Ratings"

"A tale just right for dog lovers. Gus is a Great Pyrennes, bred to protect, but has always longed for his own person. Hoyle quietly unleashes a barking good tale. It's charm is due to Gus and a real love of dogs. Allows each person involved dignity and respect. Peaceful conflict resolution is showcased throughout in thoughtful non-didactic ways."-- "School Library Journal"

Nominated for the 2024-2025 Crown Award-- "Triple Crown Awards"

2025 nominee-- "Utah Beehive Children's Fiction Book Award"

Selected as a "recommended title" and a "top pick"-- "2023 Kansas National Education Association's Reading Circle Commission"

2023 Gold Winner for Juvenile Fiction-- "Foreword Indies" (6/7/2024 12:00:00 AM)

2024-25 nominee-- "Volunteer State Book Award" (8/7/2024 12:00:00 AM)

2026 Nominee-- "Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award" (12/13/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Selected for the 2025-2026 Iowa Children's Choice Award List-- "Iowa Children's Choice Award" (2/24/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Publishing Information

Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Pub date: 2023-04-04
Length: 202 pages

The Allstora Membership

Membership Perks:

  • Save 40% on all online store purchases
  • Exclusive access to author's content
  • You pay less, but authors still earn double

Membership Terms:

First Month: $0.00
Monthly price: $5.00
  • To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
  • One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.