
ALT Pitch Three years: that’s how long it’s been since Garrett Lowe’s dad abandoned the family. Three days: that’s how long it’s been since his beat and only friend moved across the country. Three hours: that’s how long he’s been hiding a red panda in his bedroom. All 12 year old Garrett wants is a friend. Too bad he’s starting 7th grade as a loner with bullies on his back. When Garrett ditches the 1st day of school he finds something he shouldn’t - a den for exotic anima trafficking. He rescues an endangered red panda, determined to secretly protect it I. His bedroom, but his life is threatened by the traffickers who want the cub back. Garrett must decide who he can trust and what it actually means to do the right thing.

ALT Themes and Elements Abandonment and loneliness Bullying Friendship Enemies to friends Blended family Sibling relationships Rag tag team of kids Trust & betrayal Wildlife conservation Art (drawing and music) Animals (non-pov/non-speaking) Lying for the greater good vs self-preservation

ALT Opening lines Seventh grade wasn’t supposed to start like this. It was supposed to be an exciting new beginning, but it felt like a goodbye. Farewell, Santana Elementary. See ya, summer! Garrett Lowe hated goodbyes. He was no good at them. He hated mushy feelings and forced hugs. He hated awkward parting words and being left behind. He’d had enough goodbyes to last a lifetime and he wasn’t even a teenager yet.






















