Overview

Barney isn't the loudest pup in the litter. He isn't the fastest or the flashiest, either. Born small, with a limp that set him apart, Barney quickly learns that life doesn't always reward the gentle ones. While his brothers and sisters bounce, tumble, and demand attention, Barney waits-watching from the edges, hoping to be noticed. When Bobby, a young man weighed down by hard choices, brings the litter to a shelter, Barney's quiet nature and crooked gait make him easy to overlook. Days turn into weeks, and one by one his siblings are adopted. Barney is left behind. Then Miss Diane arrives. She doesn't flinch at his limp. She doesn't pass him over. She sees him-and brings him home to her farm, where the unexpected becomes the everyday. At the homestead, Barney finds a world alive with chickens, curious pups, and people who understand hardship. There's healing here, and laughter, and chores that always need doing. But there is also danger. Slowly, patiently, Barney begins to discover that belonging isn't about being the loudest or the strongest. It's about being yourself-and trusting that someone will recognize your quiet strength. Barney Comes Home is a tender middle grade novel about second chances, resilience, and the unlikely bonds between animals and people. Inspired by real-life events on a Midwest family farm, this story explores what it means to find family in unexpected places and how love can grow in the most ordinary moments. With heartfelt prose and memorable characters, debut author Thomas G. Helmers introduces readers to the Guardians on the Homestead series-a world where animals aren't just background figures, but central to the story of healing, hope, and home. Perfect for ages 812-and for anyone who has ever loved a dog, rescued an animal, or discovered that strength doesn't always bark the loudest-this book will resonate with families, teachers, librarians, and animal lovers alike. Fans of Because of Winn-Dixie, Shiloh, and A Dog Called Homeless will feel right at home in Barney's story-and eager for the next chapter in the Guardians on the Homestead series.

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Thomas G. Helmers is an engineer by trade, a farmer by accident, and a writer thanks to a large black dog who wouldn't take no for an answer. He lives on a small family homestead in the Midwest with his wife, a handful of animals (most of them opinionated), and a half-full box of round to-its that life on the farm has generously produced. The breezeway has slowly transformed into an unofficial infirmary for injured chickens, and the line between it and the coop gets blurrier every year. Along the way, he's earned an unofficial degree in poultry counseling. His debut novel, Barney Comes Home, was inspired by true events-especially the day Diane brought home a quiet, unassuming dog who had been overlooked by many. That pup's gentle spirit, patient heart, and quiet determination to belong became the heartbeat of the story. With encouragement from his wife and mother, a nudge from his son, and just enough quiet mornings with coffee and a blank page, Tom began writing the stories that unfolded during his daily chores. One chapter turned into two. The story wouldn't leave him alone. Eventually, Barney Comes Home became the first book in the Guardians on the Homestead series. Book Two in the series is currently in the works, shifting the spotlight to Edward the rooster and the next chapter of life on the farm. Edward has poor vision, a strong personality, and an uncanny ability to stick to a routine. He free-ranges near the house, checks his reflection in the mirror each night, and sleeps in a tote beside a crippled hen. He also comes when called, naps on Tom's lap, and has a few things to say about punctuality. His story is one of loyalty, resilience, and the quiet ways animals become part of the family-whether you meant to adopt them or not.

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