Title: A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray
Author: Ann M. Martin
Page Count: 182
Rating: A
Keywords: Dogs, Animal Abuse, Adventure, Family, Love
Genre: Children's Fiction
Younger Readers: This is a children's book. Be prepared for questions from younger children but should be appropriate for most.
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Squirrel and her brother Bone begin their lives in a toolshed behind someone's summer house. Their mother nurtures them and teaches them the many skills they will need to survive as stray dogs. But when their mother is taken from them suddenly and too soon, the puppies are forced to make their own way in the world, facing humans both gentle and brutal, busy highways, other animals, and the changing seasons. When Bone and Squirrel become separated, Squirrel must fend for herself, and in the process makes two friends who in very different ways define her fate.
My Review:
My boss actually loaned me this book to read. I read children's books both because I enjoy them and like being able to have recommendations for my students. Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love my dog. So this was a no brainer for me.
Overall this was an enjoyable read as we follow Squirrel from birth to old age, from hardship to happiness. It truly is written like an autobiography, but from the point of view of a dog. There are certainly cute moments but it also has some horribly sad moments that made me tear up a bit. These sad moments added to the reality of a stray's life though and made me enjoy the book even more.
I would actually recommend this to young children. Reading this to or with a younger child would be a great way to teach kindness towards animals. Squirrel does experience abuse and reacts to it. The confusion and fear that is described from the perspective of the dog is a great tool to teach children about their actions towards animals.
Overall, yes I recommend this one. It would make a great gift for an animal lover.
Some children are more sensitive than others. In case you're wondering if your child can handle the sad moments I listed some of the major ones below for your consideration:
-A fox named Mine is shot, not described in detail
-It is alluded to that Squirrel and Bone's mother dies
-Bone and Squirrel are thrown from a vehicle
-There is a dog fight
*The book is recommended for 8 and up. I think the difficult points mentioned are important lessons to learn and are not graphic enough to make me say a child should not read it. Just be prepared to offer guidance to younger ones.
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