A boy with a mission.
Eleven-year-old Maverick is a pro at moving. New schools, new kids, new everything—no problem. His dad is a Navy pilot, so this is just how life works. But after four years in one place, this house finally feels like a forever home.
And forever homes come with dogs. Obviously.
Maverick has been asking for one forever. His parents promised that when he turned twelve, and they stopped moving, he could finally get a dog—a real best friend.
Then his dad comes home with new orders.
Ventura, California
Seriously? No dog. Again.
Maverick knows it’s not fair. A dog wouldn’t care about moving. A dog would always have his back. And once they settle in their new home in Ventura, Maverick is ready to remind his parents of their promise—because this birthday, he is definitely getting a dog.
Between making new friends, learning how to surf, and figuring out how to talk and dress like a California beach kid, Maverick has a lot to prove. And because growing up isn’t always easy—it doesn’t come with an instruction manual—Maverick learns that with enough determination (and maybe a dog), along with unexpected friendships, he might figure it all out before he’s too old—like twenty-five.
A coming-of-age story about change, courage, lasting friendships, and chasing after the one thing you really want.
Hey! I’m Sullivan J. Kraus,
the most handsome, most athletic, and definitely the goofiest member of the Kraus family. I live in Ventura, California, with my human, E.C., who writes books. I provide emotional support, inspiration, and occasional drool. It’s a team effort.
My daily schedule is PACKED with extremely serious responsibilities:
Chasing my blue/orange ball (I catch all of them… okay, a half… fine, at least three. It depends on who’s throwing the ball).
Walking my humans (they get distracted easily, so I make sure to keep them at the end of my leash).
Studying surfers (still trying to figure out how they stand on those giant floating sticks).
When E.C. is typing super-fast, I have no choice but to wrap myself around the office chair like a furry seatbelt. Once I’m sure the chair won’t roll away, I fall asleep. Oh! And I’m a certified therapy dog. I work with the VIP Dogs — that means we are very important, obviously. We take our jobs seriously.
That means I get to:
Hang out with awesome kids
Listen to them read (I’m excellent at nodding like I understand big words)
Visit police officers and 911 dispatchers
Spread joy, comfort, and the occasional sloppy kiss or lick. It depends on how you look at it.
Anyway, that’s all for now. I smell snacks somewhere, and because I’m a professional, I must investigate.
Sniff ya later!