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Maribeth Boelts
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The PS Brothers Kindle Edition

by Maribeth Boelts (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 78 ratings
See all formats and editions
“Boelts has her story elements all right: worn urban setting, quick comic dialogue, well-developed characters and a good dose of suspense.” —Kirkus Reviews

Russell and Shawn call themselves the PS Brothers: P is for poop, S is for scoop, and Brothers is because they’re best friends. Scooping poop is the fastest way to earn money to buy a puppy. These two are crazy about dogs. And they’re sure that once their puppy grows into a tough dog, no one will ever pick on them for being weak or poor again. Unfortunately, getting a puppy is not that easy. Russell and Shawn don’t count on uncovering a dog-fighting ring—and that can bust apart a dream faster than a dog can sniff out a bone.

But doing the right thing might still get them what they want—and maybe even more.

“Part of the appeal of this book is its edginess. Shawn’s and Russell’s hardscrabble existences and their heartfelt yearning for a dog to defend them are compelling.” —School Library Journal

“This is less of a dog story and more a lighthearted portrait of a strong friendship and a plucky kid who doesn’t let tough circumstances get him down. Pair this with Lois Duncan’s News for Dogs, which also features an entrepreneurial canine enterprise.” —Booklist

“This is actually a genuinely touching look at a boy who doesn’t believe that there’s anybody of consequence on his side . . . a natural for reluctant readers.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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  1. Reading age
    1 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    147 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 6
  5. Lexile measure
    810L
  6. Publisher
    Clarion Books
  7. Publication date
    October 4, 2010
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0547577173
  12. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-7–Russell's life has been difficult ever since his mother died in a car accident and his father was arrested for theft. He's been living with his Uncle Cory, who allows him to stay by himself in an old pop-up camper in the backyard. Russell and his friend Shawn, who comes from a family of six boys and has to share a bedroom with four of them, wear old clothes that are often patched together with tape. Both boys are targets of teasing. When not in school, they spend their time at the library reading about dogs and dream about owning a tough one to defend them from bullies. When attempting to purchase one with money earned as the Pooper Scooper Brothers, the sixth graders encounter animal abuse and illegal dogfighting. Part of the appeal of this book is its edginess. Shawn's and Russell's hardscrabble existences and their heartfelt yearning for a dog to defend them are compelling. Though the story wraps up too neatly and some of the lessons learned seem forced, the characters are well developed and kids will enjoy the friendship between Russell and Shawn. The subject matter and simple, yet interesting, story line make this a good choice for reluctant readers.–Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, ILα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

Russell dreams of owning a dog, and he has read every book about pooches in his local public library. Unfortunately, the circumstances of Russell’s life (deceased mother, incarcerated father, and an indifferent young uncle, who is currently his guardian) make dog ownership unlikely. Russell wants a protector from bullies, not just a friendly companion, and when he learns of a Rottweiler puppy for sale, he enlists his best friend, Shawn, in a moneymaking enterprise (dog-dropping removal) to raise funds to buy the pup. Russell and Shawn learn, however, that the Rottweiler’s owner is raising dogs for illegal fighting. By the novel’s end, Russell’s uncle has taken responsibility for his nephew, and Russell ends up fulfilling his wish in an unexpected way. This is less of a dog story and more a lighthearted portrait of a strong friendship and a plucky kid who doesn’t let tough circumstances get him down. Pair this with Lois Duncan’s News for Dogs (2009), which also features an entrepreneurial canine enterprise. Grades 4-6. --Todd Morning

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0042JSNTA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clarion Books; Reprint edition (October 4, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 4, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 728 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 147 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 78 ratings

About the author

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Maribeth Boelts

Maribeth Boelts

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Maribeth Boelts lives in Iowa and has been writing for children for over 25 years. Her titles, "Those Shoes", "Happy Like Soccer", "A Bike Like Sergio's" and "Before You Were Mine" have won a number of awards, with "Those Shoes" in its 30th printing. An early reader from Random House, "The Gingerbread Pup", as well as two picture books, "Kaia and the Bees" and "The Purple Puffy Coat" with Candlewick Press, have recently been published. A former teacher, Maribeth loves meeting and encouraging kids to read and write. "It is, in equal parts, an enthralling and confusing quest trying to crack the code on what makes a child pull a book off the shelf and continue turning the page. Figuring out what makes that same child laugh, feel understood or inspired is what keeps this career ever- interesting. I am so grateful for every reader, and potential new writer."

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
78 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and interesting. They describe the book as an easy read suitable for children in grades 2-6. The writing level is suitable for middle school students, but upper elementary students can also enjoy it.

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Story qualityReading level
12 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it interesting, suspenseful, and well-written. Some students love it and can't wait to read the next chapter. The book has a great twist and is action-packed.

"...the unforced humor is seamless, and the story weaves a great character-building message. There is simply nothing lacking in this book!..." Read more

"...My students just loved this story! Most of my kids could relate to this story in some way, since many of them had a dog...." Read more

"Cool, awesome, suspenseful!! Fun read for fifth grade boys and everyone who likes dogs. It is an outstanding book that you won't want miss." Read more

"Quick read for kids. Great story with excellent teaching points." Read more

7 customers mention "Reading level"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read for children. It's written for a middle school audience, but upper elementary students handle it well. The vocabulary is not harsh, and the book is short.

"...This book has a very broad appeal. It's written for a middle school audience, but upper elementary students handle it very well also...." Read more

"...This book would be great with a high 2nd grade level up to 6th grader for an easy read." Read more

"Cool, awesome, suspenseful!! Fun read for fifth grade boys and everyone who likes dogs. It is an outstanding book that you won't want miss." Read more

"Quick read for kids. Great story with excellent teaching points." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Janet Kaye
    5.0 out of 5 stars Look No Further!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    The PS Brothers has it all! The action is fast-paced, the characters are memorable, the unforced humor is seamless, and the story weaves a great character-building message. There is simply nothing lacking in this book! I have yet to find a student who has not been captivated by this story. It's a great pick for anyone, but especially when you're trying to help find that one "homerun" book for a guy who has yet to develop an insatiable passion for reading. This book has a very broad appeal. It's written for a middle school audience, but upper elementary students handle it very well also. It finds a huge fan base in boys and girls from third grade up. Many will be able to relate, but few will be able to stop turning the pages. I am a children's librarian, so I read lots of books each year. Masterfully crafted, this book has been number one on my list of best reads since it first came out, and is sure to become a classic. I'm trying to wait patiently for the sequel!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • teach307
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story! Kids LOVED it!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I purchased this book to replace a lost one from our book room at school. My students just loved this story! Most of my kids could relate to this story in some way, since many of them had a dog. Poop scooping was something they had experienced before. This book would be great with a high 2nd grade level up to 6th grader for an easy read.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mary
    4.0 out of 5 stars The PS Brothers are Good
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I, Erin, age 8, like the PS Brothers partially because I like dogs. As well, it is very interesting and I like how it is set up. I read the PS Brothers as a part of Battle of the Books at my elementary school, Garden Springs Elementary School.
    One person found this helpful
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  • C.A.R.
    5.0 out of 5 stars my Students Loved It
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is from my students: This story was funny at times and a bit scary too. Russell and Shawn are good friends and they both want a dog to protect them so they go around and pick up dog poop in people’s yards for pay. They are saving money for a Rottweiller puppy but they find out the man selling him is not a nice man and the boys end up in a lot of danger.
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  • Tiffany
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for life lessons
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Quick read for kids. Great story with excellent teaching points.
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  • denise
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for young readers, would recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Kept you intrigued and wanting to read more. A good read for those who like an adventure and are improving on their reading
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  • Seeker of fairness
    5.0 out of 5 stars My third graders love this book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I am using this book with a group of third grade inner city students. They are really interested in the book and can't wait to read the next chapter.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jennifer Ironside
    5.0 out of 5 stars it is bold a book a action packed book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    It is really crazy action book and is not harsh on vocabulary and is a short book and also feels long
    One person found this helpful
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