  | Answers to dog Author: Hautman, Pete | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
Evan doesn't seem to fit in at school or at home. He goes out of his way to avoid attention. But when a burr-covered border collie, a survivor with a gut instinct about the Boy, starts following him around and joining him on his runs, Evan's simple duck-and dodge existence becomes a lot more complicated, a lot more like life. Evan and the dog run fast and far together, thwart an abusive dog breeder and the school bully, and find the courage to stand up for themselves.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.00 Points: 6.0 Quiz: 551435 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (10/01/24)
Booklist (+) (08/01/24)
The Hornbook (00/09/24)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 08/01/2024 *Starred Review* Evan lives with his mom, who cooks variations of the same thing every night and only leaves the house for church on Sundays, and his dad, who gets lost making elaborate, finely crafted wooden figurines in his studio and prefers to be addressed only as Sam. Evan is, more or less, an average student with a fun group of friends, including Hana, who becomes especially helpful as the story unfolds. Meanwhile, Samarkand, the dog, is a resourceful border collie on the run from an alcoholic shelter owner who abuses him and all of his animal friends. When Samarkand finds Evan, they form an inseparable bond that, eventually, makes its way to Sam (the human) and finally to Evan’s reluctant mother, a complex character who ultimately shines. Hautman’s dialogue is razor-sharp and realistic, simultaneously portraying sadness and optimism, while the short, well-paced chapters keep the pages turning and make this difficult to put down. This quirky slice of rural life—told from time to time, most enjoyably, from the dog’s perspective—is quietly full of deep emotion and perfect for any animal-loving middle-grader, especially one who enjoys track and field and a lovable pup to join them on their run. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
