Some books break your heart. Others ignite it. Dr. Nancy Kay’s middle-grade novel A Dog Named 647 manages to do both. Inspired by the hidden world of puppy mills, this story follows twelve-year-old Mia, who discovers an emaciated retriever identified only as 647. What begins as one girl’s encounter with a neglected dog quickly unfolds into a journey of courage, friendship, and activism.

The OAA recommended book of the month is Two Frisky Kittens: How to Count High Real Quick by Robin Lapre! This playful yet impactful children’s book highlights the real-life consequences of cat homelessness, environmental impact, and shelter overcrowding — all told through catchy rhymes and heartfelt illustrations.

The OAA recommended book of the month is The Cat Man of Aleppo by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham. This book tells the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who, amid the Syrian Civil War, courageously offered safe haven to Aleppo’s abandoned cats. The story follows Alaa through the war-torn streets as he uses the little money he earns from his job as an ambulance driver to buy food and supplies for the cats.

Out of Sight is a riveting and deeply personal memoir by Gail A. Eisnitz, Chief Investigator for the Humane Farming Association, that offers both an unflinching exposé of the U.S. meat industry and a testament to human endurance.

This year, we’re spotlighting a book that challenges traditional narratives in animal welfare and shines a light on the intersection of social justice and rescue work. Rethinking Rescue: Dog Lady and the Story of America’s Forgotten People and Pets by Carol Mithers is a compelling exploration of how compassion can transcend societal boundaries, addressing two pressing issues of our time: poverty and homelessness

The OAA October recommended book of the month is Fellow Creatures: Our Obligations to the Other Animals by Christine M. Korsgaard!