Saving Marty

Gr 4–7—Eleven-year-old Lorenzo "Renzo" Ventura's army veteran and musician father died before he was born. A school assignment forces Renzo to consider what it means to be a hero, which has him think deeply about his dad. Renzo lives with his mom and grandfather, Double Pop, on a financially failing farm. A piglet is left behind instead of taken to auction, and Renzo decides to name it Marty, after his late father. Renzo also dreams of running away to California with his best friend Paloma Lee to play music and visit the site where his father's ashes are scattered. Renzo treats Marty like a pet, including racing him at a festival, where he and Paloma Lee play their music and are invited to perform on an live radio broadcast. Throughout the story, Renzo reads letters written by his father, leading him to wonder about a woman, Hana, who frequently appears in the letters. Griffin's novel explores the experience of losing one's home, uncovering difficult truths, and learning the meaning of heroism. Each character is well-developed, and Griffin does an excellent job depicting the financial struggles of life on a farm. Readers who enjoy music will appreciate the sheet music and lyrics interspersed throughout. Small mysteries also add intrigue and propel the plot.