Max: Best Friend. Hero. Marine.

The New York Times bestselling movie novelization—a powerful story about a special dog and what it means to be a hero that more and more readers have discovered

When Justin's older brother, Kyle, is killed in Afghanistan, Justin can't believe that his brother is really gone. Except there's one thing that Kyle left behind...

Max is a highly trained military canine who has always protected his fellow soldiers. But when he loses his handler and best friend, Kyle, Max is traumatized and unable to remain in the service.

He is sent home to America, where the only human he connects with is Justin, and he is soon adopted by Kyle's family, essentially saving his life. At first Justin has no interest in taking care of his late brother's troubled dog. However, the two learn to trust each other, which helps the four-legged veteran become his heroic self once more.

As the pair start to unravel the mystery of what really happened to Kyle, they find more excitement—and danger—than they bargained for. But they might also find an unlikely new best friend in each other.

One grieving boy. One traumatized dog. And a dangerous secret that only they can uncover.

• A War Dog with PTSD: Max is a K9 hero, but losing his handler Kyle in Afghanistan has left him too traumatized to serve. Can Justin help this brave Belgian Malinois heal?
• Grief and Healing: Justin doesn’t want his brother’s dog, but caring for Max might be the only way for this grieving teen to start healing himself.
• A Dangerous Mystery: As Justin and Max grow closer, they begin to suspect Kyle’s death wasn’t an accident. But the truth is more dangerous than they ever imagined.
• Emotional Family Story: A powerful middle grade adventure about loss, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dog.