The Dog Knight (Dog Knight #1)

by Jeremy Whitley (Author) Bre Indigo (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
Series: Dog Knight

A nonbinary middle schooler saves a dog from bullies and is offered the chance to become the Dog Knight, protector of a magical pact between humans and dogs, in the first book of this humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel series from Jeremy Whitely, author of Princeless, and Bre Indigo, illustrator of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Graphic Novel.


Frankie knows who they are. They're a drummer, they're nonbinary, and they're... the Dog Knight? One day Frankie is a relatively normal middle schooler, with relatively normal challenges, like finding the perfect outfit to wear during their drum solo during the upcoming band concert. The next, they save a friendly golden retriever from bullies and suddenly find themselves in a giant magical doghouse, with a funny looking helmet, talking to a group of dog superheroes called the Pawtheon about a job offer. If Frankie can prove that they possess the six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell, they will be named the Dog Knight and be given the power to fight alongside the Pawtheon and save the world from the forces of chaos. Maybe there is more to Frankie than they thought?

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ALA/Booklist

This middle-grade graphic novel takes readers on a delightful journey exploring gender identity and purpose. Crisp artwork with sharp coloring brings the expressive characters, especially the dogs, to life. At points goofy, endearing, and inspiring, this book shows the beauty of accepting yourself--and the excellence of dogs.

Publishers Weekly

Middle schooler Frankie has just come out as nonbinary in this good-humored fantastical graphic novel by Whitley (the School for Extraterrestrial Girls series) and Indigo (Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy), the first in a series. Though they lose friendships and experience bullying following their coming-out, Frankie perseveres, unwilling to allow these challenges to overwhelm them. While fleeing from a bully, Frankie stumbles and is knocked unconscious. They eventually wake in the Omniversal Doghouse, a magical universe headed by the Pawtheon, a collection of the wisest dogs in the universe, who inform Frankie that they've been chosen to become the Dog Knight, the protector of humankind and animals. Guided by loyal pup Platinum, Frankie embarks on a series of trials designed to test their loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and... sense of smell. Platinum's immediate trust of Frankie helps to ground the tween whenever they feel as if they don't fit in their skin or their community. Indigo utilizes varied paneling to great effect, imbuing the illustrations with fluid movement and a spry energy that skillfully complements Whitley's wry dialogue. Frankie cues as biracial (Black and white). Ages 9-12. (May)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Kirkus

Quality queer representation and a strong narrative voice make this sweet, funny series opener a winner. All hail the paw-some Dog Knight!


School Library Journal

Frankie is an endlessly endearing and relatable character whom readers will root for from the very first panel, and the Justice League-like group of dogs Frankie meets are filled with humor and heart. The paneled artwork is energetic and entertaining, a natural fit for the clever dialogue and themes of self-acceptance, identity, and creation of healthy boundaries and relationships.

Review quotes

"A delightful story of fate-of-the-world friendship and adventure, filled with a ton of heart... and tails too." — Unbeatable Squirrel Girl author Ryan North

"The Dog Knight is a classic hero's journey with a unique, relatable hero wearing a very silly hat. I mean helm. And a lot of very charming dogs. I really like it, and I am saying that as an avowed cat person." — Dana Simpson, author of Phoebe and her Unicorn

"A well crafted story about the struggles of children who identify as nonbinary. The Dog Knight shows us that when we are true to ourselves and stand up for what's right, everybody wins; A powerful lesson in leading by example, illustrated in spectacular fashion." —Andrew Aydin, coauthor of MARCH and RUN

Jeremy Whitley
Jeremy Whitley is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and calls Durham, NC, home. He also happens to enjoy writing comic books and graphic novels for kids of all ages, and, besides working on Princeless and Raven: The Pirate Princess, he has also written for Marvel, IDW, Titan, and Dynamite. He is currently represented by Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary Agency and is currently writing the upcoming The Dog Knight leaving his eldest daughter on the edge of her seat.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781250756725
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Feiwel & Friends
Publication date
May 16, 2023
Series
Dog Knight
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
JUV008050 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Animals
JUV008080 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Fantasy
Library of Congress categories
Human-animal relationships
Friendship
Dogs
Graphic novels
Knights and knighthood
Animal comics

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