Summary: Good natured Squirrel and her brother, Bone, begin their life in a toolshed behind a summer vacation house. Their mother gives them the survival skills they’ll need as stray dogs and life is happy. Then one day, Mother disappears and the puppies must survive on their own. Squirrel is adopted by well-meaning strangers several times, must rely on her hunting skills and garbage cans for food, and makes friends with other strays along the way. By the end of the story, Squirrel is an old, well-loved mutt.
Reading Level: 5.5
Rating: 7 1/2 stars
Kids: If you’re a dog lover, you’ll probably enjoy this book. Lots of my students recommended it to me. It’s told from the dog’s perspective and that’s pretty cool. There are some sad parts, however, and, to be honest, there isn’t a lot of action and the story can get a little slow. Maybe try reading the first few chapters and see if you like it.
Parents: There’s nothing offensive in the book and it’s a safe read, though a little sad at times. The book might give you an opportunity to talk with your child about the responsibilities of being a pet owner and the importance of good pet care.
Teachers: Many of my students enjoyed this book, though I found it a little slow. Some tender-hearted boys and girls might have a hard time with some of the difficult situations in which Squirrel finds herself. I don’t think I’d use this book as a read aloud.
Accelerated Reader test: Available (check your school)
Awards:
2008 William Allen White Children’s Book Awards
2008 Young Reader's Choice Award Winners
2006 American Booksellers Honor Book
If you liked A Dog’s Life, I’d recommend: (these are all dog books)
The Good Dog by Avi
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The BossQueen, Little Bigbark, And the Sentinel Pup by Sarah Clark Jordan
Listen by Syephanie Tolan
ISBN10: 0439901073
No comments:
Post a Comment