My Brother Javi is the recipient of the 2022 Reader's Favorite International Book Award "Honorable Mention"; 2021 Feathered Quill Book Awards Bronze Award; 2020 International Book Awards FINALIST; and the 2020 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
Tracy Stopler, author of the award-winning novel, The Ropes That Bind, has written another thought-provoking novel, but this time it’s a tale revealed as only two dog siblings could tell it.
Javi, an eleven-year-old shih tzu, teaches us about the importance of friendship and the challenges of change. His diary captures the ups and downs of being a dog with a dream. The story, also shared by his baby sister, Binah, draws a relatable picture of special friends living in the suburbs, and the joys, sorrows, and strengths that unite them. Both dogs and humans are seen through a variety of lenses, but only one dog can bring everything into focus.
What Readers are Saying
“The conversations between Javi and God are awesome, and the inspiration/faith that’s found in this helps those who have lost such a close friend.” Feathered Quill Book Awards Judges Comments
Bret Witter, co-author of the New York Times bestseller,
Dewey "Tracy Stopler brings us the highs, the lows, the smells, the
accidents, the love, and the losses, the entire silent opera of a dog's inner life."
Ellis Weiner, author of How to Raise a Jewish Dog "Tracy Stopler has written a compassionate, entertaining, and thought-provoking novel that pulled at my heartstrings. This reminds me of
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, where we hear the dog's point of view. I’m hoping for a sequel."
Linda Zagon, Linda's Book Obsessions ReviewWhat Characters in the Story are Saying "While I was discovering my true self, my best self, my dream transformed into reality. We may be different breeds, but through God's eyes we are all equal. I know this because He told me so." Javi, 11-year-old Shih Tzu
“FIVE STARS for my brother Javi’s incredible memoir. Javi is a role model for the dog community, reminding us all how we’re here to help each other. Javi’s not only my brother; he’s also my superhero.” Binah, 3-year-old Havanese
“My best friend, Binah, discovers her brother Javi’s diary. It’s filled with educational and inspirational messages. Thank you, Javi.” Daisy, 2-year-old Havachon
“Javi’s memoir captures both the human’s and dog’s heart from the day he is born to the day he is reborn. Although I would have liked to read more about me, it leaves me hopeful for a sequel.” Chloe, 1-year-old Tibetan Terrier
“Socks off to Javi and Binah for this artful tale that answers so many life questions except who’s Tracy Stopler and why is her name on the cover of this book?”Cooper, 2-year-old Cockapoo
“Javi is a special soul. You will laugh and cry as you discover your own strengths to overcome life’s most challenging circumstances. This story will inspire you to rescue a dog or two.” Dr. Noah, Veterinarian
“Javi weaves a hypnotic, fairy tale that’s strong enough to transform darkness into light.” Tali
“There are no words in any language to describe the love between a dog and his human. If only humans knew with certainty that their beloved best friends remain with them always in some way, in some form, for their existence here on Earth. I believe that now.” Javier
A Message from the Author
This is my love story to Javi and Binah. If you love animals, especially dogs, you’ll understand.
“In all great fairy tales there’s always a plotline where some dog goes beyond his perceived limitations. You don’t have to be a superhero in order for your dreams to come true. You just need the courage to break free from your comfort zone. It’s the only road to happily ever after.”
"Two astute pooches offer lessons in life, loss, love, and the power of positive thinking.
In this novel, readers meet Javi (officially named Java for his café au lait coloring), a purebred Shih Tzu, and Binah, a Havanese whose name means "understanding" in Hebrew. Their vocalizations may be limited to barks, growls, and whimpers, but these two adorable, furry creatures can read and write and frequently wax philosophical. Javi has already crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but he left behind a diary that Binah digs up in the backyard. Binah came into Javi's life only a few months before his death, but she promised him she would tell his story to her friends. Stopler's second novel, whimsical and imaginative, treats readers to the thoughts, pranks, and conversations among these two charmers and their canine friends. Be prepared for chuckles, a bit of magic, and, of course, some tears. Javi was born in 1999 and was fortunate to be able to spend two years with his Mama and his human family--Neha, Roger, and their two young children. But when the humans moved to a new house, much to Javi's distress, they gave Mama away. Still, he learned some important survival lessons from her, most especially how to ignore the negative voice in his head that told him to misbehave--the voice that triggered "melon collie" and always got him into trouble. When Javi was 9 years old, Neha became overworked and stressed. She gave him to Tali, a young woman who once rescued him when he became lost. It was a match made in heaven. Tali and Javi were soul mates. She called him "mi amore"; he called her "my lady." Through Tali, Javi found his "mission." Binah joined them as a young pup two years later. In alternating chapters, Binah intersperses her own story, sharing with her friends the wisdom of her beloved "superhero" brother. This enjoyable escapist read for dog lovers, dotted with canine factoids, should also delight youngsters ready to move up to storytime chapter books. The enchanting work delivers a welcome distraction from today's darkness and acrimony.
A funny, poignant, and uplifting canine tale."
