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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Harry by Jack Heape follows Sophie Martin, who attends Pine Lake Writers’ Camp where she meets Lucas Walker, who is deaf. Initially communicating through written notes, Sophie begins learning American Sign Language (ASL) from Lucas. After camp, she proposes to her parents that she train a hearing assistance dog while continuing ASL classes. She joins “New Ears, New Hope,” is paired with a black Labrador named Harry, and incorporates ASL into his training. Harry learns to respond to various sounds, avoid hazards, and follow signed commands. Sophie maintains contact with Lucas, sharing updates on Harry’s progress. The following summer at camp, Sophie reveals who Harry’s training was designed for. During an evaluation, Harry responds accurately to commands, showing strong compatibility, but the final decision on placement remains with the program’s committee.
Harry by Jack Heape is an uplifting and heartwarming story of dedication, connection, and purpose. Through Sophie’s journey, readers follow her commitment to mastering American Sign Language while training a spirited Harry for a hearing dog program, a project she adorably coins as Operation Harry. From early alphabet drills to advanced sound recognition exercises, Sophie’s determination shines through the story, and we get to see the bond that is likely a reflection of the real-life dog and trainer connection through shared, creative problem-solving and mutual trust. Going into the book, I honestly did not know what went into a hearing assistance dog's preparation, and Heape does well in showing us the process. Each scene builds toward a touching compatibility test, leaving the reader inspired by the idea that dedication and understanding can create life-changing partnerships across communities. Very highly recommended.
