For Bixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed "Bat"), letting go of some things is tougher than letting go of others. For instance, saying goodbye to fourth grade and hello to summer--that's easy. But watching the friendship break apart between his big sister, Janie, and her best friend, Ezra, is not. Bat can tell Ezra wants to mend things; maybe, if Bat can remind Janie how close they were, she would give Ezra another chance.
Then, Ezra breaks the news that if his boisterous-but-loveable mastiff, Pumpkin, doesn't improve his behavior, their family will be forced to rehome him. And while Bat isn't sure if he can help Ezra be a better friend, he might be able to help Ezra be a better dog caretaker--and avoid having to let at least one thing go this summer.