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Four friends plan an adoption day for shelter dogs.

Lauren loves dogs but can’t own one due to her stepfather’s allergies, so she volunteers at the local shelter and encourages her third grade friends to join her. Their supervisor tells them it’s difficult to find homes for older dogs, and, indeed, Rhett, her favorite, is still there after weeks. The girls decide to make a project of finding homes for older dogs. Their teacher can’t take one, and neither can Lauren’s uncle Patrick—he and Uncle Imad travel too much. The girls decide to hold an event at Uncle Patrick’s cupcake shop, luring people with cupcakes to showcase the dogs up for adoption. The girls work hard, but when disaster strikes, the plan must change. But these girls are invincible, right? The book concludes with short, inspiring bios of international girls and women who work with animals and tips for helping shelter dogs. The text reads quickly, and the sprightly illustrations and book design will hold young readers’ attention. Adults may groan, but some kids will find the punny chapter titles (“TEAMWORK IS PAW-SOME”) amusing. The cover of this first series entry shows Lauren and Ruby (who is chubby) as White, Emelyn with light brown skin and straight black hair, and Myka as Black. Sadly, Myka’s large family is described as especially loud, reflecting two common stereotypes.

Girl power, dogs, and cupcakes provide a good mix for an easy chapter book.