This book tells a beautiful story and it also serves a significant purpose by explaining adoption in words that a child will be able to understand. This story is told from the point of view of the shelter dog, Chance. Chance doesn’t understand about adoption or why his new owner keeps talking about this being his second chance.

Ryan, explains to chance what adoption means and how Adoption Ryan tells him means to be loved forever. Chance doesn’t care about Ryan’s autism and feels closer to him them any of the other dogs in the home. Chance and Ryan’s relationship is a heartwarming one and is the very heart of this books.

All the pages are beautifully illustrated by pictures of her real-life family of boys and dogs that have been given a second chance by this wonderful woman. This is a beautifully written story and will suit children in the 7-10 age group.

This is a wonderful story filled of emotion that should be shared to children around the world.

A copy of this book was received for free for review, all opinions expressed are my own through reading this story.

This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com ( )

Review will be on my blog: Reading,Reading& Life ( )

Second Chance is a charming story written in the point of view of a rescue dog. Chance is adopted by a family with an autistic child, Ryan, and three other dogs, P.J., Little Rascal, and Shelby. A special bond develops between Ryan and Chance. There are many things Chance doesn’t understand about his new home (especially why Shelby likes to bite at his paws!), but he gradually learns about his family and his new home. He also doesn’t initially understand Ryan’s behavior or what the word “adopt” means. All becomes very clear and he is embraced by this loving family.

The book is a wonderful way to teach children about autism, and adoption of both children and dogs. I loved reading the story from this confused and frightened dog’s point of view.

The first paragraph of this book brought back memories of when I went to our local Animal Control Center and a beautiful white and brown puppy walked up, sat down, and leaned against my leg. Then he peed all over the floor, and I knew he was going home with me. ( )

The timeless tale of a boy with autism & his shelter dog

A Believer in Second Chances

Over the past 10 years, author Sandra Gerencher has been on a mission to save dogs from high-kill animal shelters. Her first rescue was P.J., the black and white Pomeranian in the story. She also adopted the orange Pomeranians Shelby and Lil Rascal, and of course, Chance, the big black Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix.

All characters in the story are based on Sandra's real life family. The book is filled with softly blended watercolor photos of her loved ones.

Her most significant adoption was her son, Terry. He was considered a special needs child because he was born with a genetic disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome. The disorder can cause many cognitive disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation and depression.

"Read along as this adopted dog adjusts to his new home and the boy with autism who befriends him." -- Warren Reed, executive director, Humane Society of Lackawanna County

"What a marvelous story! I enjoyed it thoroughly." -- Vince Sweeney, executive director, SPCA of Luzerne County

"This is a delightful story about belonging and love from the viewpoint of the underdog in all of us ... a great treat!" -- Chris Remick, M.A., B.C.B.A., clinical director of autism services, Friendship House

"Second Chance touches on the companionship of a boy and his new pet dog and the importance of stability and PERMANENCY in their lives." -- Kathy Roach, director of permanency, Diakon Adoption & Foster Care ( )