Kids into books: Ryan's Dog Ringo

Author: Marie Gibson

Illustration: Richard Hoit

Publisher: Shortland Publications, $8.75

Age group: 11-12 years

Ryan wished they had a ramp. Dad suggested it, but Aunt Beth refused. She said Greg wouldn't need a wheelchair for long. He'd be walking again in no time. Everyone hoped she was right.

Ryan got there just in time to help her up the steps.

"It's the final gym club night tonight, Aunt Beth," Ryan said when everything was unloaded and they had Greg settled in front of TV. "Can you come?"

"Oh, Ryan! Really!"she said, nodding towards Greg. "How can I? Your father will have to go with you."

"But I've cooked dinner, and the table's set. They're presenting the awards tonight. And I've won the trampoline cup."

"What about Gregory?"

"He can come, too. His friends ask about him all the time. They'd like to see him."

"Sometimes you're very thoughtless, Ryan. How do you think Gregory feels seeing all his friends doing gym when he can't even walk? He won that cup last year, and now he's stuck in a wheelchair!"

"But ..."