"Spotting Dottie" by Gail Anderson-Dargatz is an engaging middle grade novel about a tween named Charlotte, who shares an interest in the local legend of a lake-monster with her grandmother Donna. Her grandmother is known by the locals as Dottie Donna because of her unshakeable belief in "Dottie" the Lochness type monster of the town's lake. Charlotte wants to prove to all of the town's skeptics, but mainly to her own mom, that Grandma's obsession is centered around a real creature. So, when she gets a drone for her 14th birthday she is determined to get video evidence of the monster. After posting a credible sighting she starts to understand why her Mom is so embarrassed by her own mother's hobby. The internet fame (and the school notoriety) makes her relationship with her best friend Scott awkward. Yet when a trip to the lake reveals irrefutable proof of Dottie and an even more thrilling discovery Charlotte realizes there is more to stake than just credibility. I think middle grade readers will enjoy this novel. My chief criticism was that the ending felt very sudden. The storyline wrapped up for the most part, but did so, so quickly that it felt as if the writing itself was very abrupt.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very cute read. In my opinion the pace of the book was a bit too fast, however it was something to look past since the story itself was very entertaining. That and children on jet skis and drones as presents? Anyway. This book was very adorable and a fun adventure to follow. I just couldn't grasp the ages of the main characters so to say, other than the birthday. This book showed a valuable lesson towards family and how we should be treating animals and I can appreciate that.

This is a short, delightful tale about the dynamic duo of Charlotte and her grandmother Donna who are accused by locals of chasing their tails when they are in fact chasing after a cryptid reported to be living in Lake Dorothy.

Dottie, as the beast is affectionately known, is a shy creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster, but Donna swears that she has spotted it on a number of occasions.

When Charlotte appears to find proof as a result of flying the drone that she has received for her birthday, her mother Anna (who has always resented Donna's preoccupation with Dottie) warns her not to put it online.

But Charlotte does - and pandemonium, of various kinds, promptly ensues...

This is a quick and enjoyable read about mythical monsters and real relationships. Recommended for the target age group - and beyond!