FINALIST - 2025 MYRCA AWARDS A 2024 Best Books for Kids and Teens selection " Coop for Keeps is a wonderful story about family, love and growing together through life's challenges. Award-winning author Larry Verstraete does a fantastic job of weaving the themes of loss and grief, bullying, and knowledge of crows into a moving yet oftentimes funny story." - CM Magazine, Highly Recommended "For those of us who fell in love with Coop the Great , this follow up novel is everything we had hoped for. and more! For readers new to Coop -- you're in for a treat! Coop may be a senior dachshund, with short legs and a squat body, but his heart is bigger than a St. Bernard's. As Coop struggles to adjust to his life with a new family, he discovers he's not too old to find joy and belongingness once more. Coop for Keeps is a spellbinding story of finding family, surviving loss, and standing up to bullies. A highly recommended, five star read.

" - Jodi Carmichael, author of The U-nique Lou Fox and Family of Spies "With elegance and grace, Larry Verstraete teaches young readers that no problem is insurmountable - especially when they have a spunky dachshund to show them what's important. Addressing real-world issues, Coop's solution and example stand the test of time." - Harriet Zaidman, author of Second Chances and City on Strike "With a plot full of adventure, conflict and intriguing characters Larry Verstraete has penned another appealing novel in Coop For Keeps . Young readers will identify with the problems and insecurities fourteen-year-old Zach faces and animal lovers will delight in the way a loyal dog, a temperamental cat, and a flock of fascinating crows figure into the captivating story." - MaryLou Driedger, author of Sixties Girl and Lost on the Prairie "Loved the book! Larry Verstraete captures the voice of the underdog in this heart-warming sequel to Coop the Great . A book sure to appeal to dog-lovers and kids of all ages." - Gabriele Goldstone, author of Crow Stone and Tainted Amber.