In this sequel to the Newbery Award-winning classic, "Dear Mr. Henshaw", a teenage boy named Leigh is sad about his parents' divorce when he finds a stray dog, one who loves to run. Because of Strider, Leigh finds himself running well enough to join the school track team. Strider also gives Leigh new hope for his future.

Strider has a new habit. Whenever we stop, he places his paw on my foot. It isn't an accident because he always does it. I like to think he doesn't want to leave me.

Can a stray dog change the life of a teenage boy? It looks as if Strider can. He's a dog that loves to run; because of Strider, Leigh Botts finds himself running -- well enough to join the school track team. Strider changes Leigh on the inside, too, as he finally begins to accept his parents' divorce and gets to know a redheaded girl he's been admiring. With Strider's help, Leigh finds that the future he once hated to be asked about now holds something he never expected: hope.