Golden Boy

LIST PRICE $19.99

About The Book

For the first printing only! This hardcover features sprayed stenciled edges while the special edition supply lasts.

When the beloved family golden retriever becomes human, a girl’s relationships with her family and herself transform in ways she never thought possible in this heartwarming and funny young adult novel.

Science-obsessed, teen-genius Emma Branch is used to being the odd one out—in her family, among her classmates, and in her small town that only ever seems to care about football. She doesn’t mind being all alone; in fact, she prefers it. Besides, who needs friends when she has a best friend already—her golden retriever, Hudson.

But when Hudson gets into an accident, Emma can’t bear to lose her only friend. Luckily, she’s been working on an experimental substance for her school science project that could help him out. All it was supposed to do was heal Hudson, not…turn him human?!

Emma, her family, and the whole town is about to learn just how a golden retriever can change hearts and minds for the better—that is, after causing a big, old mess first.

About The Author

Photograph by author

A.J. Symon lives in Barnesville, Georgia, with his family, which includes several golden retrievers, including descendants of the real-life Hudson on which Golden Boy is based.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (August 25, 2026)
  • Length: 288 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665985529
  • Grades: 7 and up
  • Ages: 12 - 99

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