Age range 11+ A tale of the acceptance of change and loss; the importance of friends and family, and the uplifting strength that comes from hope. Harry's mum runs a boarding house for transient old men who are down on their luck. To counter his frustration and anger, Harry longs for the companionship of a dog. The Annual Gala at school features a dog hurdle race and more than anything in the world, Harry would love to enter a dog into that race and win it. Such a win would give him a sense of worth and belonging. A new lodger, Jack Ellis, befriends Harry and shares a wealth of outback adventure stories featuring dogs with him. "Quintessentially Australian with witty, memorable characters, Harry Kruize, Born to Lose is a highly recommended read for ages 10 and up" - Books and Publishing (4 stars) "No doubt about it, Paul's on a winner with this one!" - Just So Stories