Nicki (American Girl Today)

In this book Nicki is very cautious about her life. Her mother is pregnant with identical twins. Nicki's mother is a service dog trainer. When Nicki's mother discovers she is pregnant she asks Nicki to train one of the dogs. Nicki is cautious about this, she loves animals, but a year ago at the science fair she raised a lamb. When the lamb had to go back to the farm Nicki had been heart-broken for months. Nicki is worried that if she trains this dog she will become to close to him, but she agrees. Later in the book Nicki goes to a party. She brings the service dog, Sprocket, with her. At the party a girl named h=Heather starts to throw Sprocket pizza and sugar. Nicki sees Heather doing this and tells her to "Stop, it will ruin his show more chance at becoming a service. You are feeding him unhealthy food, and it is causing his training to fail.". Heather does not appreciate this and argues with Nicki. Nicki finally leaves. Later Nicki takes Sprocket for a walk. Sprocket gets off his leash and goes missing. When Nicki hears a whimper, and sees Sprocket had been struck by a porcupine. As she pulls out the quills, she realizes that she stood up against her friends because she loves Sprocket.

This book is by far one of my favorites. It made me think about how I want my career to be with animals, and I can start now. It made me think I can volunteer for different things and acts of service. I love this book because of Nicki's passion for animals. I love how the blended the details together. The book made me think of how much a difference we can make. As I read the book I thought about the different ways we can help the world and those with disabilities. I think the authors message was that sometimes we need to say "No" and stand for our standards. show less

Nicki Fleming is a 10-year-old girl who is a natural with animals. She lives on a working Colorado ranch with her parents and younger brother. She is optimistic, generous, and compassionate, and she loves skiing almost as much as she loves animals.
Nicki has a hard time saying "no" to people. Whenever anyone asks for her help, she's ready to lend a hand. When Nicki says "yes" to becoming the main trainer of a service dog that she and her mother had planned to train together, Nicki ends up in over her head, and struggles to juggle multiple to her parents, her best friend, her teacher--and to the dog.
But in the process of training the lively and spirited Sprocket, Nicki's affection for him grows--even while she keeps reminding herself that show more she has to give him up to someone who needs him more than she does. Equally important, Nicki learns some important lessons for herself.
Book One ends with the with big test--and success!--of Sprocket's potential as a service dog, and Nicki's deep pride in their joint accomplishment. show less

Nicki has one small problem- she can't say "No" when people ask her to do things. She's always been busy with chores and schoolwork, but she finds herself helping out her pregnant mother, caring for a guide dog, and planning the decorations for the school gala. Nicki's activities not only reduce her free time, they also strain her friendship. Nicki finally learns how to say no and how to balance herself a little better.