SAUCY

A rescued piglet causes some trouble for her new family.

Becca wants a “thing,” a thing that makes her Becca. Her three brothers—they are quadruplets—all have a thing: Jammer plays hockey, Bailey has music, and K.C. thinks they all live in a simulation. One night, when the family is out on their nightly walk, Becca finds a sick piglet and is determined to rescue it. Naming it Saucy, Becca pleads to keep her, and soon Saucy becomes a beloved member of the family. As Saucy recovers, she gains pounds and energy, often destroying things in the house. Saucy gets into all sorts of trouble, which creates fun and silly moments that balance sometimes-serious themes: Topics of friendship, peer pressure, factory farms, and activism are adroitly touched on. The relationship between Saucy and the family, especially her bond with Becca, is charming. In Kadohata’s nuanced third-person, Becca faces a lot of self-reflection, wondering about who she is, what her purpose is, and what kind of person she is, making this the ideal book for thoughtful readers. Black-and-white drawings are scattered throughout the generously leaded text, adding context and emotion. Becca’s mother is biracial (Japanese/White), Becca’s dad presents White, and Becca has her White grandfather’s green eyes. Bailey has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, a detail presented with casual, totally humanizing ease.

A lively, heartwarming family story.