I Think This Is Where We Came In Author:Phyllis Wood REVISED 2006 EDITION Maggie, her brother Paul, and Mike, who is like a second brother, are headed for a camping trip in the High Sierra. For years Mike has come over the back fence to stay with Paul whenever his alcoholic parents started their evening bickering. Although Maggie has always been the tag-along kid sister, they get along together. O... more »n the first day of this carefully planned trip their orderly plans vanish when they rescue an almost-dying Border Collie, who collapses on the scorching highway. As the convalescent dog, Fritzi, becomes a family member and camping partner, the unpredictable episodes steadily pile up. An amazing bond develops between Mike and Fritzi, who takes the place of the loving family Mike has never had. But even more amazing is the new way Mike begins to feel about Maggie as they work together and worry like new parents about their over-eager dog. Near the end of their vacation, the relationship between Mike and Fritzi is put to the ultimate test, placing an almost unbearable strain on Mike. Maggie's strength at this point confirms what she already knows. She is no longer the kid sister in Mike's life, but rather a special partner on a very different level. "The characters are nicely handled: e.g. Mike is a sensitive young man who has always avoided attachments because of his bickering, alcoholic parents, yet his change in feelings for Maggie and Fritzi are believable." -Library Journal "Although the story is seen through Maggie's eyes and Mike's character comes through as the most developed, it is the canine protagonist who steals the show." -Booklist "The mix sounds improbable, but the end result avoids disaster with writing skill." -Children's Book Review Service Inc.« less