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Genre Guide
Sit! Stay! Read! -- Great Dog Stories for Middle-Grade Readers.
San Francisco Public Library
Staff-created list
An SFPL Fisher Children's Center Librarian lists some favorite middle-grade reader approved titles featuring dogs and the humans who love them.
San Francisco Public Library
14 items
14 items
Book - 2008
(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2008) "When fate separates them, an old hound dog and two foster kittens survive the dangers of the bayou to find one ...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2008) "When fate separates them, an old hound dog and two foster kittens survive the dangers of the bayou to find one another. Seeking shelter, a homeless pregnant cat responds to the 'bluesy' baying of a hound named Ranger who lives chained under the porch of a shack in the woods of the East Texas bayou. He happily shares the Underneath with the cat and her two kittens, Sabine and Puck. The kittens are safe from Ranger’s evil master Gar Face as long as they remain hidden, but Puck ventures out 'straight into the terrible hands of Gar Face,' who does his best to drown both the curious kitten and his mother. Somehow Puck escapes after promising his dying mother he will find Sabine and free Ranger, but he’s on his own in a bayou teeming with mysterious creatures. Aided by Small’s lively illustrations, Appelt intricately weaves these animals’ ancient stories into Puck’s survival saga to produce a magical tale of betrayal, revenge, love and the importance of keeping promises." Recommended for Grades 6th and up. Beware of placing this book in the hands of a very sensitive reader, however. While the tone of the storytelling is mystical and atmospheric, the brutal character Gar Face is cruelty embodied. For the mature reader who can appreciate that Nature herself can be cruel, this story will reveal its rewards.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2008) "When fate separates them, an old hound dog and two foster kittens survive the dangers of the bayou to find one ...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1, 2008) "When fate separates them, an old hound dog and two foster kittens survive the dangers of the bayou to find one another. Seeking shelter, a homeless pregnant cat responds to the 'bluesy' baying of a hound named Ranger who lives chained under the porch of a shack in the woods of the East Texas bayou. He happily shares the Underneath with the cat and her two kittens, Sabine and Puck. The kittens are safe from Ranger’s evil master Gar Face as long as they remain hidden, but Puck ventures out 'straight into the terrible hands of Gar Face,' who does his best to drown both the curious kitten and his mother. Somehow Puck escapes after promising his dying mother he will find Sabine and free Ranger, but he’s on his own in a bayou teeming with mysterious creatures. Aided by Small’s lively illustrations, Appelt intricately weaves these animals’ ancient stories into Puck’s survival saga to produce a magical tale of betrayal, revenge, love and the importance of keeping promises." Recommended for Grades 6th and up. Beware of placing this book in the hands of a very sensitive reader, however. While the tone of the storytelling is mystical and atmospheric, the brutal character Gar Face is cruelty embodied. For the mature reader who can appreciate that Nature herself can be cruel, this story will reveal its rewards.
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Book - 1969
(From commonsensemedia.org) "Parents need to know that this Newbery Award winner is not a heartwarming dog story, as the title and cover may indicate...Show more
(From commonsensemedia.org) "Parents need to know that this Newbery Award winner is not a heartwarming dog story, as the title and cover may indicate. Rather, it is the story of a boy's struggle to find his father, his dog, and his own identity in a racist world that is harsh, lonely, and violent at times. Written in the late '60s, some of the characterizations seem stereotypical, but the language is simple and strong -- almost poetic -- and the story is good. Several editions of the book have been reprinted, and it was made into a well-received 1972 movie starring Cicely Tyson and an updated 2003 Disney movie starring Paul Winfield."
Recommended for readers 6th grade and up.
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(From commonsensemedia.org) "Parents need to know that this Newbery Award winner is not a heartwarming dog story, as the title and cover may indicate...Show more
(From commonsensemedia.org) "Parents need to know that this Newbery Award winner is not a heartwarming dog story, as the title and cover may indicate. Rather, it is the story of a boy's struggle to find his father, his dog, and his own identity in a racist world that is harsh, lonely, and violent at times. Written in the late '60s, some of the characterizations seem stereotypical, but the language is simple and strong -- almost poetic -- and the story is good. Several editions of the book have been reprinted, and it was made into a well-received 1972 movie starring Cicely Tyson and an updated 2003 Disney movie starring Paul Winfield."
Recommended for readers 6th grade and up.
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by Avi
Book - 2001
(From Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2001) "When the wild calls, will this good dog answer? For McKinley the malamute is a very good dog, one who takes h...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2001) "When the wild calls, will this good dog answer? For McKinley the malamute is a very good dog, one who takes his contract with his humans seriously: he assiduously guards his human family, especially the pup, Jack. He is also a politically astute dog: he is head dog of the Steamboat Springs dog pack. His retriever friend Aspen, had she the language of pop psychology, would call him a codependent dog: “You watch out for everybody but yourself.” His comfortable life is disturbed when a lamed wolf, Lupin, comes down out of the hills to recruit dogs to join her dwindling pack. McKinley feels drawn to her wildness, while at the same time remaining mindful of his doggy responsibilities. These become immensely more complicated when his pup (inspired by The Jungle Book and Julie of the Wolves) decides to try to run away and live with the wolves even as the human community gears up for a massive wolf hunt and an upstart Irish setter begins to challenge McKinley’s leadership. How can McKinley acquit his obligations to his pup, to Lupin, and to an abused greyhound whose escape sets the plot in motion, while at the same time preserving his position in the pack?" For grades 4th - 6th.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2001) "When the wild calls, will this good dog answer? For McKinley the malamute is a very good dog, one who takes h...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2001) "When the wild calls, will this good dog answer? For McKinley the malamute is a very good dog, one who takes his contract with his humans seriously: he assiduously guards his human family, especially the pup, Jack. He is also a politically astute dog: he is head dog of the Steamboat Springs dog pack. His retriever friend Aspen, had she the language of pop psychology, would call him a codependent dog: “You watch out for everybody but yourself.” His comfortable life is disturbed when a lamed wolf, Lupin, comes down out of the hills to recruit dogs to join her dwindling pack. McKinley feels drawn to her wildness, while at the same time remaining mindful of his doggy responsibilities. These become immensely more complicated when his pup (inspired by The Jungle Book and Julie of the Wolves) decides to try to run away and live with the wolves even as the human community gears up for a massive wolf hunt and an upstart Irish setter begins to challenge McKinley’s leadership. How can McKinley acquit his obligations to his pup, to Lupin, and to an abused greyhound whose escape sets the plot in motion, while at the same time preserving his position in the pack?" For grades 4th - 6th.
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Book - 1964
(Title summary from item record) "Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry's dog, Ribsy, the center stage in this dog's-eye view of th...Show more
(Title summary from item record) "Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry's dog, Ribsy, the center stage in this dog's-eye view of the adventure of a lifetime. Good ol' Ribsy's ever-curious mind has always gotten him into scrapes, but this time he may have gone too far. After a comical turn of events, Ribsy finds himself in the wrong station wagon with the wrong children. Ribsy will do anything to find Henry, but there's plenty of excitement to be had along the way--and scoring a touchdown for a local high school team is only part of the fun!" For Grades 2nd - 5th.
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(Title summary from item record) "Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry's dog, Ribsy, the center stage in this dog's-eye view of th...Show more
(Title summary from item record) "Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives Henry's dog, Ribsy, the center stage in this dog's-eye view of the adventure of a lifetime. Good ol' Ribsy's ever-curious mind has always gotten him into scrapes, but this time he may have gone too far. After a comical turn of events, Ribsy finds himself in the wrong station wagon with the wrong children. Ribsy will do anything to find Henry, but there's plenty of excitement to be had along the way--and scoring a touchdown for a local high school team is only part of the fun!" For Grades 2nd - 5th.
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Book - 2001
(From Kirkus Reviews, July 1st, 2001) "Versatile Newbery Medalist Creech (A Fine, Fine School, p. 862, etc.) continues to explore new writing paths w...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, July 1st, 2001) "Versatile Newbery Medalist Creech (A Fine, Fine School, p. 862, etc.) continues to explore new writing paths with her latest, written as free verse from the viewpoint of a middle-school boy named Jack. Creech knows all about reluctant writers from her own years of teaching, and she skillfully reveals Jack’s animosity toward books and poetry, and especially about writing his own poems. He questions the very nature of poetry, forcing the reader to think about this question, too. Jack’s class assignments incorporate responses to eight well-known poems (included in an appendix) and gradually reveal the circumstances, and Jack’s hidden feelings, about the loss of his beloved dog. Jack’s poetry grows in length, complexity, and quality from September to May, until he proudly sends his best poem about his dog and a heartfelt thank-you poem to Walter Dean Myers after the author’s school visit. The inclusion of the eight poems is an advantage, because comments on the poems are often part of Jack’s poetry." Recommended for readers Grade 3rd - 5th.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, July 1st, 2001) "Versatile Newbery Medalist Creech (A Fine, Fine School, p. 862, etc.) continues to explore new writing paths w...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, July 1st, 2001) "Versatile Newbery Medalist Creech (A Fine, Fine School, p. 862, etc.) continues to explore new writing paths with her latest, written as free verse from the viewpoint of a middle-school boy named Jack. Creech knows all about reluctant writers from her own years of teaching, and she skillfully reveals Jack’s animosity toward books and poetry, and especially about writing his own poems. He questions the very nature of poetry, forcing the reader to think about this question, too. Jack’s class assignments incorporate responses to eight well-known poems (included in an appendix) and gradually reveal the circumstances, and Jack’s hidden feelings, about the loss of his beloved dog. Jack’s poetry grows in length, complexity, and quality from September to May, until he proudly sends his best poem about his dog and a heartfelt thank-you poem to Walter Dean Myers after the author’s school visit. The inclusion of the eight poems is an advantage, because comments on the poems are often part of Jack’s poetry." Recommended for readers Grade 3rd - 5th.
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Book - 2020
(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1st, 2001) "A 10-year old girl learns to adjust to a strange town, makes some fascinating friends, and fills the empty sp...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1st, 2001) "A 10-year old girl learns to adjust to a strange town, makes some fascinating friends, and fills the empty space in her heart thanks to a big old stray dog in this lyrical, moving, and enchanting book by a fresh new voice. India Opal’s mama left when she was only three, and her father, “the preacher,” is absorbed in his own loss and in the work of his new ministry at the Open-Arms Baptist Church of Naomi [Florida]. Enter Winn-Dixie, a dog who “looked like a big piece of old brown carpet that had been left out in the rain.” But, this dog had a grin “so big that it made him sneeze.” And, as Opal says, “It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with a dog who has a good sense of humor.” Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal meets Miss Franny Block, an elderly lady whose papa built her a library of her own when she was just a little girl and she’s been the librarian ever since. Then, there’s nearly blind Gloria Dump, who hangs the empty bottle wreckage of her past from the mistake tree in her back yard. And, Otis, oh yes, Otis, whose music charms the gerbils, rabbits, snakes and lizards he’s let out of their cages in the pet store. Brush strokes of magical realism elevate this beyond a simple story of friendship to a well-crafted tale of community and fellowship, of sweetness, sorrow and hope. And, it’s funny, too. A real gem." Best for readers Grade 4th - 6th.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1st, 2001) "A 10-year old girl learns to adjust to a strange town, makes some fascinating friends, and fills the empty sp...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, April 1st, 2001) "A 10-year old girl learns to adjust to a strange town, makes some fascinating friends, and fills the empty space in her heart thanks to a big old stray dog in this lyrical, moving, and enchanting book by a fresh new voice. India Opal’s mama left when she was only three, and her father, “the preacher,” is absorbed in his own loss and in the work of his new ministry at the Open-Arms Baptist Church of Naomi [Florida]. Enter Winn-Dixie, a dog who “looked like a big piece of old brown carpet that had been left out in the rain.” But, this dog had a grin “so big that it made him sneeze.” And, as Opal says, “It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with a dog who has a good sense of humor.” Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal meets Miss Franny Block, an elderly lady whose papa built her a library of her own when she was just a little girl and she’s been the librarian ever since. Then, there’s nearly blind Gloria Dump, who hangs the empty bottle wreckage of her past from the mistake tree in her back yard. And, Otis, oh yes, Otis, whose music charms the gerbils, rabbits, snakes and lizards he’s let out of their cages in the pet store. Brush strokes of magical realism elevate this beyond a simple story of friendship to a well-crafted tale of community and fellowship, of sweetness, sorrow and hope. And, it’s funny, too. A real gem." Best for readers Grade 4th - 6th.
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Book - 1951
(Summary from title record) "Meet Ginger Pye, the smartest dog you'll ever know. Jerry Pye and his sister, Rachel, feel pretty smart themselves for b...Show more
(Summary from title record) "Meet Ginger Pye, the smartest dog you'll ever know. Jerry Pye and his sister, Rachel, feel pretty smart themselves for buying Ginger. It was the best dollar they ever spent. Ginger steals everybody's heart . . . until someone steals him !" A Newbery Medal Award winner from the late Eleanor Estes. Best for grades 3 - 6.
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(Summary from title record) "Meet Ginger Pye, the smartest dog you'll ever know. Jerry Pye and his sister, Rachel, feel pretty smart themselves for b...Show more
(Summary from title record) "Meet Ginger Pye, the smartest dog you'll ever know. Jerry Pye and his sister, Rachel, feel pretty smart themselves for buying Ginger. It was the best dollar they ever spent. Ginger steals everybody's heart . . . until someone steals him !" A Newbery Medal Award winner from the late Eleanor Estes. Best for grades 3 - 6.
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by Gipson, Fred
Book - 1956
(Excerpted from a children's book review on August 5th, 2011 in theguardian.com) "Old Yeller is possibly the saddest, yet greatest classic of all tim...Show more
(Excerpted from a children's book review on August 5th, 2011 in theguardian.com) "Old Yeller is possibly the saddest, yet greatest classic of all time. This tale is perfect for ages ten and up, but out of bounds for the light hearted. Many tears are shed throughout the book as fourteen year old Travis and his family face the horrible outcomes of hydrophobia." Best for grades 5 - 8.
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(Excerpted from a children's book review on August 5th, 2011 in theguardian.com) "Old Yeller is possibly the saddest, yet greatest classic of all tim...Show more
(Excerpted from a children's book review on August 5th, 2011 in theguardian.com) "Old Yeller is possibly the saddest, yet greatest classic of all time. This tale is perfect for ages ten and up, but out of bounds for the light hearted. Many tears are shed throughout the book as fourteen year old Travis and his family face the horrible outcomes of hydrophobia." Best for grades 5 - 8.
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Book - 2004
(From School Library Journal), Grade 3-6–This charming story describes three dogs that move with their owner, OurShe, to join OurHe, OurBoy, OurGirl, and ...Show more
(From School Library Journal), Grade 3-6–This charming story describes three dogs that move with their owner, OurShe, to join OurHe, OurBoy, OurGirl, and That Cat to form a new Pack in a new home. Third-person narration begins each action-packed chapter and is followed by sections written in the voices of the eldest dog, Chris, the BossQueen; Layla, who is Second Dog; and Mina, who is the Last Dog. The chatty narrative describes how TheGirls work together to do TheJob of protecting the human and animal members of their Pack and settle into their new surroundings. There are delightful descriptions of guarding the house, chasing a mouse, herding cows, and playing games, as well as striking depictions of leadership, cooperation, learning, and grief. With love and support from the Pack, Mina grows from a fearful, timid dog who overcomes the shock of abandonment to a leader well served by her keen observations and sensitivity. There is lots of humor, from TheGirls making Puddles to Layla insisting she's a lapdog since her 90 pounds make her a small Rottweiler. The invented spellings may deter some, but readers will be rewarded by this keenly observed and artfully crafted tale of canine, human, and feline cohabitation. This is a good companion to Avi's The Good Dog (Atheneum, 2001), a lively story that also explores character issues through the voice of a canine narrator.
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(From School Library Journal), Grade 3-6–This charming story describes three dogs that move with their owner, OurShe, to join OurHe, OurBoy, OurGirl, and ...Show more
(From School Library Journal), Grade 3-6–This charming story describes three dogs that move with their owner, OurShe, to join OurHe, OurBoy, OurGirl, and That Cat to form a new Pack in a new home. Third-person narration begins each action-packed chapter and is followed by sections written in the voices of the eldest dog, Chris, the BossQueen; Layla, who is Second Dog; and Mina, who is the Last Dog. The chatty narrative describes how TheGirls work together to do TheJob of protecting the human and animal members of their Pack and settle into their new surroundings. There are delightful descriptions of guarding the house, chasing a mouse, herding cows, and playing games, as well as striking depictions of leadership, cooperation, learning, and grief. With love and support from the Pack, Mina grows from a fearful, timid dog who overcomes the shock of abandonment to a leader well served by her keen observations and sensitivity. There is lots of humor, from TheGirls making Puddles to Layla insisting she's a lapdog since her 90 pounds make her a small Rottweiler. The invented spellings may deter some, but readers will be rewarded by this keenly observed and artfully crafted tale of canine, human, and feline cohabitation. This is a good companion to Avi's The Good Dog (Atheneum, 2001), a lively story that also explores character issues through the voice of a canine narrator.
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The Autobiography of A Stray
Book - 2005
(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2005) "Following the tradition of other realistic animal stories, this moving account of a stray dog’s life expe...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2005) "Following the tradition of other realistic animal stories, this moving account of a stray dog’s life experiences is told from the canine perspective. Born in a garden shed, Squirrel and her brother Bone are raised by their mother, who teaches them to hunt and avoid humans. Life is good for the puppies until their mother disappears and doesn’t return. When the adventurous Bone sets out into the world, Squirrel follows, afraid to be on her own. But along a busy highway, the puppies are soon separated forever and Squirrel is alone. She manages to survive winter and finds Moon, another stray. The two travel together, raiding garbage cans, eluding dogcatchers and fighting off a band of hungry dogs until Moon is killed by a truck. Alone again, Squirrel stoically moves from town to town, encountering both kind and cruel humans, and aging as the seasons pass. Speaking matter-of-factly, Squirrel accepts life bravely and in the end, finds the loving home she deserves. Heart-wrenching as well as heart- warming." For grades 5 - 8.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2005) "Following the tradition of other realistic animal stories, this moving account of a stray dog’s life expe...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2005) "Following the tradition of other realistic animal stories, this moving account of a stray dog’s life experiences is told from the canine perspective. Born in a garden shed, Squirrel and her brother Bone are raised by their mother, who teaches them to hunt and avoid humans. Life is good for the puppies until their mother disappears and doesn’t return. When the adventurous Bone sets out into the world, Squirrel follows, afraid to be on her own. But along a busy highway, the puppies are soon separated forever and Squirrel is alone. She manages to survive winter and finds Moon, another stray. The two travel together, raiding garbage cans, eluding dogcatchers and fighting off a band of hungry dogs until Moon is killed by a truck. Alone again, Squirrel stoically moves from town to town, encountering both kind and cruel humans, and aging as the seasons pass. Speaking matter-of-factly, Squirrel accepts life bravely and in the end, finds the loving home she deserves. Heart-wrenching as well as heart- warming." For grades 5 - 8.
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Book - 1991
(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2001) "A gripping account of a mountain boy's love for a dog he's hiding from its owner. Marty, 11, tells how Sh...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2001) "A gripping account of a mountain boy's love for a dog he's hiding from its owner. Marty, 11, tells how Shiloh, the runaway, first caught his heart; still, his bone-poor West Virginia family has a strong sense of honor, and the dog is returned to its owner. After it runs back to Marty, he hides it in the woods. As Marty's structure of lies to his parents compounds, the villainous owner circles closer. By the time Judd finds Shiloh, the whole family is compromised and the dog has been injured. Marty does get the dog, partly by another lie of omission: he blackmails Judd when he finds him poaching and makes a deal to work for Judd to pay for the dog, but tells his parents another version. Fine lines are explored here: How necessary is it to adhere to the strict truth? 'What kind of law is it...that lets a man mistreat his dog?' Has the dog been 'saved' if this leads to its injury? Marty concludes that 'nothing is as simple as you guess--not right or wrong, not Judd Travers, not even me or this dog.'" For grades 4 - 6.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2001) "A gripping account of a mountain boy's love for a dog he's hiding from its owner. Marty, 11, tells how Sh...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, September 1st, 2001) "A gripping account of a mountain boy's love for a dog he's hiding from its owner. Marty, 11, tells how Shiloh, the runaway, first caught his heart; still, his bone-poor West Virginia family has a strong sense of honor, and the dog is returned to its owner. After it runs back to Marty, he hides it in the woods. As Marty's structure of lies to his parents compounds, the villainous owner circles closer. By the time Judd finds Shiloh, the whole family is compromised and the dog has been injured. Marty does get the dog, partly by another lie of omission: he blackmails Judd when he finds him poaching and makes a deal to work for Judd to pay for the dog, but tells his parents another version. Fine lines are explored here: How necessary is it to adhere to the strict truth? 'What kind of law is it...that lets a man mistreat his dog?' Has the dog been 'saved' if this leads to its injury? Marty concludes that 'nothing is as simple as you guess--not right or wrong, not Judd Travers, not even me or this dog.'" For grades 4 - 6.
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Book - 2009
(From Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2007) "Georgina and younger brother Toby begin a homeless life living in Mom’s car, having been evicted when Dad leav...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2007) "Georgina and younger brother Toby begin a homeless life living in Mom’s car, having been evicted when Dad leaves. Mom tries her best to work two minimum-wage jobs in order to make the security deposit for a new apartment while the kids struggle daily to maintain normalcy in and out of school. Desperate to help Mom gain some significant cash, Georgina concocts a grand scheme to steal a dog, dupe the owner into offering a $500 reward and then return the designated pooch for the cash. As crazy as this sounds, O’Connor weaves a suspenseful and achingly realistic story, fleshing out characters that live and breathe anxiety, fortitude and a right vs. wrong consciousness. Colorful, supporting roles of a wise, kind vagrant and a lonely, overweight dog owner round out this story of childhood helplessness, ingenuity and desolation. Georgina’s reflections in a secretly kept “how-to” journal will have kids anticipating her misconceptions about the realities of theft and deception. A powerful portrayal from an innocently youthful perspective." For grades 4 - 6.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2007) "Georgina and younger brother Toby begin a homeless life living in Mom’s car, having been evicted when Dad leav...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 2007) "Georgina and younger brother Toby begin a homeless life living in Mom’s car, having been evicted when Dad leaves. Mom tries her best to work two minimum-wage jobs in order to make the security deposit for a new apartment while the kids struggle daily to maintain normalcy in and out of school. Desperate to help Mom gain some significant cash, Georgina concocts a grand scheme to steal a dog, dupe the owner into offering a $500 reward and then return the designated pooch for the cash. As crazy as this sounds, O’Connor weaves a suspenseful and achingly realistic story, fleshing out characters that live and breathe anxiety, fortitude and a right vs. wrong consciousness. Colorful, supporting roles of a wise, kind vagrant and a lonely, overweight dog owner round out this story of childhood helplessness, ingenuity and desolation. Georgina’s reflections in a secretly kept “how-to” journal will have kids anticipating her misconceptions about the realities of theft and deception. A powerful portrayal from an innocently youthful perspective." For grades 4 - 6.
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Book - 2011
(From Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2011) "Fans of the Lassie stories and The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford (1961), will lose themselves in th...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2011) "Fans of the Lassie stories and The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford (1961), will lose themselves in this harrowing adventure. Abby and her Shetland sheepdog, Tam, have a deep, loving bond. When a car accident sends Tam careening out of the truck and lands Abby in the hospital, they spend the rest of the novel separated by hundreds of miles in winter, seeking one another. The tension rises, sometimes frustratingly so, as one distressing event after another keeps them apart. Devastated, Abby allows her dreams, visions known in her family as The Sight, to convince her that Tam is alive and working his way home. Meanwhile, Tam struggles in the hostile wilderness facing heartbreaking loneliness, starvation, animal attacks and harsh weather. Survival seems impossible, but he’s helped along by occasional friendships, with both humans and other animals. Cutting between Abby’s and Tam’s perspectives, the short chapters keep up a fast-paced momentum. When it seems that neither Tam nor readers can withstand one more heart-piercing obstacle, Abby’s true grit triumphs. This is an uplifting tale of devotion, perseverance and love beyond boundaries, and it’s worth every taut word." For grades 4 - 6.
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(From Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2011) "Fans of the Lassie stories and The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford (1961), will lose themselves in th...Show more
(From Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2011) "Fans of the Lassie stories and The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford (1961), will lose themselves in this harrowing adventure. Abby and her Shetland sheepdog, Tam, have a deep, loving bond. When a car accident sends Tam careening out of the truck and lands Abby in the hospital, they spend the rest of the novel separated by hundreds of miles in winter, seeking one another. The tension rises, sometimes frustratingly so, as one distressing event after another keeps them apart. Devastated, Abby allows her dreams, visions known in her family as The Sight, to convince her that Tam is alive and working his way home. Meanwhile, Tam struggles in the hostile wilderness facing heartbreaking loneliness, starvation, animal attacks and harsh weather. Survival seems impossible, but he’s helped along by occasional friendships, with both humans and other animals. Cutting between Abby’s and Tam’s perspectives, the short chapters keep up a fast-paced momentum. When it seems that neither Tam nor readers can withstand one more heart-piercing obstacle, Abby’s true grit triumphs. This is an uplifting tale of devotion, perseverance and love beyond boundaries, and it’s worth every taut word." For grades 4 - 6.
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Book - 2000
(Summary from title record) "Available for the first time in a Yearling edition, the classic, inspiring story of a dog who triumphs against all odds,...Show more
(Summary from title record) "Available for the first time in a Yearling edition, the classic, inspiring story of a dog who triumphs against all odds, by the bestselling author of The Cay.
Helen adored her beautiful golden Labrador from the first moment he was placed in her arms, a squirming fat sausage of creamy yellow fur. As her best friend, Friar Tuck waited daily for Helen to come home from school and play. He guarded her through the long, scary hours of the dark night. Twice he even saved her life.
Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail." Recommended for readers grade 4 - 6.
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(Summary from title record) "Available for the first time in a Yearling edition, the classic, inspiring story of a dog who triumphs against all odds,...Show more
(Summary from title record) "Available for the first time in a Yearling edition, the classic, inspiring story of a dog who triumphs against all odds, by the bestselling author of The Cay.
Helen adored her beautiful golden Labrador from the first moment he was placed in her arms, a squirming fat sausage of creamy yellow fur. As her best friend, Friar Tuck waited daily for Helen to come home from school and play. He guarded her through the long, scary hours of the dark night. Twice he even saved her life.
Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail." Recommended for readers grade 4 - 6.
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