Elizabeth Cody Kimmel’s Secret of the Mountain Dog is a moving middle-grade novel that blends mystery, adventure, and cultural heritage with the bond between a girl and a remarkable dog.
 
When Jax is sent to spend the summer with her aunt in the Catskill Mountains, she expects boredom. Instead, she discovers a mysterious Tibetan monastery hidden in the woods, an enormous and loyal Tibetan mastiff, and secrets that stretch back generations. As Jax and the mastiff grow close, she learns about courage, friendship, and the power of protecting what matters most.
This novel combines animal adventure with cultural discovery, weaving Tibetan traditions into a suspenseful, heartfelt story.
 
Perfect for readers who enjoy dogs, mysteries, and stories of self-discovery.
 
⭐ Why You’ll Love It
Features a majestic Tibetan mastiff and the bond between child and animal.
A mystery with cultural depth, introducing Tibetan traditions.
Perfect for dog lovers and readers who enjoy adventurous mysteries.
Heartfelt story about courage, loyalty, and discovery.
🎯 Perfect For
Readers ages 8–12 who love animals and mysteries.
Fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and A Dog’s Way Home.
Classrooms exploring world cultures and heritage through fiction.
Young readers who enjoy mystery and adventure with heart.
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A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin
Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin