FOREVER RIPLEY, by McCall Hoyle, Shadow Mountain Publishing, Sept. 2, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
An aging German Shepherd dog prepares her people for her approaching death in Forever Ripley, a middle-grade novel by McCall Hoyle.
Ripley, an aging German Shepherd Dog, spent her life guarding the wildlife refuge with Max, the best man she’s ever known. But that was before the accident, before he gave her one final job: “Take care of the girls.”
And Ripley has done just that—especially for Charlie, the girl Ripley loves even more than peanut butter. Ripley watches over Charlie with dedication, especially when faced with bullies who threaten the refuge. But Ripley is slowing down. She knows dogs don’t last forever.
Sensing their time together is running out, Charlie plans a farewell adventure filled with Ripley’s favorite things—fried chicken, sandpiper chasing on the beach, and ice cream in Nags Head. Through it all, they learn that love isn’t about holding on—it’s about lifting each other up.
A heartwarming tribute to love, resilience, and the joy of a life well lived, Forever Ripley proves that even in goodbye, there is beauty, courage, and the promise of new beginnings. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing
Author McCall Hoyle is known for books about dogs and their people — Millie, Just Gus, Stella. The books are always told from the dog’s point of view and they explore different values and emotions that kids easily relate to.
In Forever Ripley, Hoyle explores friendship, love, grief and death itself.
At the center of the story are Ripley and Charlie. The two have been inseparable since Charlie’s dad died. They have a true bond that no one could ever break. Ripley is always looking out for Charlie no matter the situation — everything from danger to finding a new friend.
Charlie is a sweet kid, but it’s Ripley that steels the show.
Hoyle captures a Ripley’s spirit without over personifying it. Ripley doesn’t understand everything that is happening to her, but the audience gains context from overheard conversations.
Forever Ripley is not a particularly happy book — it is about a dog preparing for death — but it’s hopeful and provides good guidance for working through grief.
As always, Hoyle’s writing is warm and accessible, her pacing is strong, and her characters are inviting.
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