One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko

Interest Level: 3-6; Reading Level 5.8

Have you ever been embarrassed by your family and your home? Liam has! He lives in a run down apartment with his mom and two sisters.His third grad sister, Dakota, is a full blown nerd who loves science and has a hard time making friends. She is always doing things to get them in trouble with their landlord, like blowing up a watermelon in the hallway of the apartment building. His other sister, Izzy, has Down Syndrome and she has no trouble making friends because she hugs everyone, even their cranky landlord, Mr. Torpse. And then there is their German Shepard, Cupcake, who they all loves dearly. The problem is, Cupcake is having trouble using the bathroom in the apartment and Mr. Torpse has told them if they don't get rid of Cupcake then they will be evicted. The only solution the vet has given them is to take Cupcake to a very expensive vet for testing.  Liam, Dakota, and Izzy take it on themselves to do whatever it takes to raise the money to save Cupcake. Liam has a lot on him with school and tennis, thank goodness for his best friend, Dodge. But when a  new kid comes to school and he comes from a rich family, will Liam even give the friendship a chance, or will he be too embarrassed because of where he lives? More importantly, will they be able to raise the money in the short time they are given before they have to give Cupcake away? Read this precious story of family, friendship, and the perseverance it takes to try to save a four-legged family member.  Don't miss this one!