THE JUNKYARD

“5-Star Review! The Junkyard is an engaging novel with prose bearing morality that depicts lessons gotten from the protagonist’s choice. One of these moral lessons centered around compassion, which resulted from Maytag’s intentional refusal to fight. This was an unusual emotion for a character like her (being an animal), but Reilly used it to show that violence does not really have to be the surviving factor; expressing compassion can also stand as a moral choice, and the story insisted that this value remains the stronger alternative when trying to choose between compassion and violence. The novel also went on to highlight the topic of animal treatment. The author used the narrative to express the pain, both emotionally and physically, that animals used for entertainment usually face. It is painful to see these atrocities imposed on them, and so this part urges readers to pause and rethink their behaviors toward vulnerable animals. Do they use them for entertainment or profit? If yes, then that would be cruelty. Since the protagonist's life at the beginning was filled with violence and wickedness, Maytag did not let the trauma grow with her, nor did she let it define her. After being saved by the group of stray dogs, she began to transform into a newfound version of herself she slowly discovered. This part posed a message to readers that whatever trauma has been faced by an individual can still be healed, gradually. There might have been scars imprinted in the heart left by the past, but recovery is possible, and with time those scars will fade away. The illustrations were a part of the novel that showed the animals' world. The imagery captured various moments, bringing the environment vividly to life in the minds of readers. The picturing of the junkyard feels more than just a location; it was a place where the dogs found solace, away from the humans, and a shelter to the homeless. The Junkyard tells the story of survival and the courage to do what is right in cases of wrong. For Maytag, she set a clear example of good morals, and she invites all readers to emulate these values. To those who have faced or experienced any sort of trauma, with the right place and right friends, healing is possible. Readers who are interested in animal stories with moral reflection will enjoy this, but I will particularly recommend it to young readers because its characters and lessons will reach deep into their hearts. ”

LitPick.com

“5-Star Review! An exciting, suspenseful narrative featuring a cast of memorable canine characters. My nine-year-old and twelve-year-old both loved it and were hooked at each chapter to find out what would happen next. Each dog has a unique, charming, and complex characterization, and the plot keeps you compelled because the stakes are high and the dangers are real. I loved the imaginative descriptions of the junkyard - you can really picture the dogs navigating this gritty but fun setting. Highly recommended!”

Goodreads.com

“5-Star Review! The Junkyard is a gripping and emotionally resonant story that follows Maytag, a discarded pitbull who finds new purpose among a pack of junkyard dogs fighting for survival, freedom, and family. What I love about the story is how it blends suspense, adventure, and deep emotion, which pulled me into a vividly imagined world where every character has clear motivations and distinct personalities that drive the plot. I also appreciate how the story avoids the typical “single hero” trope. Instead, several characters play meaningful roles in resolving the conflict, which makes the twists feel fresh and unpredictable. From intense battles to touching moments of loyalty and sacrifice, The Junkyard delivers a powerful message about duty, family, and the universal desire for freedom. I found the story both thrilling and deeply moving, and it stayed with me long after I finished reading. Highly recommended! ”

Goodreads.com

“5-Star Review! A fast-paced and thrilling story of friendship, loyalty, and courage. I think middle grade readers (and beyond) will love the vivid, detailed descriptions of the characters, the action, and the environment where it all takes place. Even beyond the beautiful storytelling and illustrations, this story has so much heart! I was invested in the characters right away, and I had trouble putting it down.”

Goodreads.com

“Loved it! 😍 4 of 5 stars A dark and emotional story told through the eyes of a kindhearted pit bull about survival, family, and choosing who you want to become. The Junkyard is a dark and emotional story about survival, cruelty, loyalty, and hope. It follows a pit bull first known as Ninja, later called Maytag, as she is forced to fight in an underground dog-fighting ring. She learns that if she can survive seven wins, she may earn a different life as a junkyard watchdog. That small chance of freedom drives the early part of the book and gives Maytag’s journey real weight. After the fighting pits, Maytag enters the dangerous world of the junkyard itself. There, she joins a pack of dogs trying to survive under the control of Mr. Fergusen, a harsh man who treats animals as property instead of living creatures. The junkyard is more than just a setting. With its rusted cars, sharp metal, and endless scraps, it mirrors the damaged lives of the dogs who live there. One of the book’s strongest features is its cast of animal characters. Each dog has a clear personality and role in the story. Dodge, the German Shepherd leader, brings wisdom and strength, while Lexus helps hold the pack together. Maytag stands out most of all. Her growth from a brutalized fighter into someone capable of love, trust, and courage gives the novel its heart. Bryan Reilly also does a good job making the dogs feel believable rather than cartoonish. They are expressive and emotional, but they still feel grounded in the harsh world they inhabit. The use of car-brand names like Lexus, Fiat, and Impala is a smart detail that fits the junkyard setting and quietly reinforces the idea that these animals have been cast aside. The second half of the novel becomes even more intense as outside dangers close in, including the mysterious Monster and the threatening One-Eared Wolf, Canis. At times, the constant action can feel heavy, especially near the final battle. Even so, the fast pace matches the danger of the world and keeps the tension high. Overall, The Junkyard is a gripping and often heartbreaking read. Fans of animal-centered survival stories will likely connect with its themes of resilience, belonging, and redemption. It is a tough story, but a rewarding one. ”

Reedsy Discovery

“Raw, immersive, and emotionally rich. In Reilly’s compelling novel, a pacifist pit bull, rescued from a brutal fighting ring and given a new life among stray dogs in a hidden junkyard sanctuary, must decide whether to fight when ruthless rivals threaten to destroy her newfound family. Maytag didn’t expect to survive. Once a pit bull named Ninja, she chose death over harming another dog in Mr. Fergusen’s brutal fighting ring. Left for dead, she’s rescued by Dodge and welcomed into a hidden tribe of junkyard strays. For the first time, she finds belonging. But peace is short-lived. When Saab and a vengeful wolf threaten war, Maytag must decide if protecting her new family is worth breaking her vow against violence. With the grit of classic animal survival fiction and a layered coming-of-age core, Reilly brings the junkyard to life. Driven by Maytag’s emotional conflict, the narrative examines compassion in a harsh, unforgiving world. Rich character dynamics, ever-present human threat, and a vivid setting add to themes of belonging, identity, and moral responsibility. A gripping and emotionally resonant story that asks whether peace can survive in a world built on violence, and what it truly means to fight for those you love.”

The Prairies Book Review

“A splendid mix of fantasy and adventure starring a remarkable dog having to survive ill treatment and facing the question of putting her life on the line in defense of her canine friends. An interesting, original, and fascinating read, "The Junkyard" by author/storyteller Bryan Reilly and artist/illustrator Rich Denver, will be of particular interest to young readers who enjoy original stories featuring dogs and dealing with the issue of animal cruelty. "The Junkyard" is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, community, and K-12 school library General Fiction collections for ages 8-18.”

Midwest Book Review