Kristin Hessick

It was really good and centers on enduring hardship and loyalty to loved ones. Main character is 11 year old boy. My 7 year old LOVED it, but be warned it does show blood and dead bodies, it will be too much for some kids. It gets a bit dark, but it ends very happy. Mostly it's a story of an orphaned boy and his quirky demon dog traveling Japan's countryside. They have a charming relationship that gets stronger. Many people he meets offer to help him but about half try to hurt him for personal gain.