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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Praise for The Dog Knight
A YALSA Great Graphic Novel For Kids 2024
“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
“Quality queer representation and a strong narrative voice make this sweet, funny series opener a winner. All hail the paw-some Dog Knight!”
— Kirkus Reviews
“The Dog Knight is an excellent addition to a necessary and growing canon and will fit in nicely among Molly Knox Ostertag’s The Witch Boy Series or ND Stevenson’s Lumberganes series.”
–BookPage
“In this good-humored fantastical graphic novel … Indigo utilizes varied paneling to great effect, imbuing the illustrations with fluid movement and a spry energy that skillfully complements Whitley’s wry dialogue.”
— Publishers Weekly
“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.”
— Booklist
“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.”
— School Library Journal
“Despite the presence of magical talking pooches, this journey of heroism and self-discovery feels grounded.”
–The New York Times