Alfie, by Thyra Heder

Nia is a black girl who receives Alfie, a pet turtle, for her sixth birthday.  On the morning of her seventh birthday, he disappears in search of a present for Nia.  Alfie reappears the day of Nia's eighth birthday with a turtle keychain he discovered during his quest.  The story is told alternately from Nia's, and then Alfie's points of view, and is a quick and enjoyable read.  Not a story we'd buy, but one we enjoyed reading several times when we checked it out of our local library.

BUY HERE (or request at your local library!)