The Dog Knight: 02/11/24

The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley and Bre Indigo (Illustrator) (2023) is a middle grade graphic novel about a non-binary drummer and a legion of super dogs saving the world from gremlins. Frankie has one big thing on their mind right now, the upcoming band competition / recital. Unfortunately, Platinum the dog has complicated things by choosing them to be the newest Dog Knight.

This isn't a simple transformation from regular kid into hero. Most of this book is focused on the numerous trials Frankie has to pass on their journey to knighthood. There are tests for loyalty, smell, and stubbornness among others. Each of these tests tie back into Frankie's life as a middle schooler and the upcoming competition.

Ultimately it's about finding the right balance between being genuine and being there for others. Each test is a new mini lesson for reader and Frankie. Set against invisible (unless one is wearing the knight's helmet) legions of gremlins who are responsible for nearly every single bad thing in the world, cheapens the lessons, though. Gremlins and cats (the other anti-dog league in this book) aren't usually the bad guys; it's people.

The book covers some topics of bullying with Dallas, her brother, and their parents. We get some understanding to why Dallas started treating Frankie poorly. We get a vague hint at why her brother is a bully. But mostly these scenes are glossed over again in favor of gremlins.

Three stars

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