Animals have been central to Sy Montgomery’s life since childhood. She draws on the impact of 13 of them—from beloved pet dogs, to the wild emus that triggered her writing career—as a lens for her memoir. Each of the animals featured can be seen to influence Montgomery’s life in significant ways, whether professionally or personally, like Christopher Hogwood, a pig whose hearty appetite and social charisma prod his introverted owner into interacting with neighbors. While the book design, illustrations, and general theme of this memoir give an impression of suitability to young children, the focus on an adult life and challenging issues including parental estrangement, severe depression, and thoughts of suicide, place it solidly in the young adult realm. (Age 13 and older)