I recommend the novel, The Nine Lives of Travis Keating by Jill MacLean. Summary from our online catalog: "After his mother's death, Travis Keating and his father move to Ratchet, Newfoundland, to start a new life. Things are tough for Travis (Hud, the school bully, being the toughest) until, putting aside his own problems, he starts to care for a colony of feral (wild) cats."

This book reminded me of Because of Winn Dixie, since Travis' involvement with the cats serves as a catalyst to his friendships with grumpy old guy, Abe Murphy, and classmate, Prinny, who has a difficult homelife.

This is a great story about friendship, dealing with loss, as well as a good read for animal lovers. I could really put myself in Travis' place in the bond he feels with the cats, and the passion he feels in protecting them.