Love is for the Dogs

Janna, a 14-year-old animal lover, is shocked by the way her new neighbor Bram treats his dog Pepper. The poor skinny thing never gets any attention and has to sleep outside, even in the rain. Janna decides to take action and in Pepper's interest goes to the movies with Bram and invites him to her hot-tub party. Before long, Janna finds that Bram is no villainthe dog is a stray that he has been feeding. And while Bram isn't the image of the tall, popular football-playing boyfriend she thought she had always wanted, Janna discovers that he's really quite nice. Good characterization and a pleasant, plausible story make this a lighthearted, diverting romance. Ages 12-up. (Feb.)