The premise: Cally's mom died one year ago, but Cally's dad still won't talk about her. And one day Cally sees her mom. Not a scary, strange, ghostly figure -- just . . . her mom, dressed in raincoat and rain hat. Each time Cally sees her, a big dog is with her too, but no one believes Cally, so Cally quits talking.
What keeps readers reading: The friendship Cally develops with a (mostly) blind and deaf boy named Sam. Sam 'sees' and 'hears' differently than other people, and Cally trusts that he sees and hears her mom. Sam also knows there's something important about the wolfhound and homeless man that keep popping up, too. Cally and Sam need to make it all make sense.
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Happy middle grade reading!
There have been so many dog books out recently, and more students wanting to read about dogs. I'm blaming the poor economy. Reading about dogs is almost as good as having one to cuddle.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an endearing story. I'm especially interested in how the author developed the elements of the 'friend' being blind and deaf. Interesting, especially in a MG book. Thanks so much for sharing this one!
ReplyDeleteLove dogs, and doggie stories. This one sounds like one my grandson would love.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. And you have a dog theme going today. Cool.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book, Barbara. Dog books, and animal stories in general, were among my favorites as a kid, so I think this could be one I will really enjoy. As always, thanks for a fantastic review and recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a sweet and poignant story~ thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Barbara. I hadn't heard of this one. It sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like it might make me very teary!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very sweet story. Sad, but sweet.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this review, Barbara. Although I don't read nearly enough MG, I am always quite pleased when I do. This one sounds too good to pass up. (And I LOVE that cover!) I'm adding it to my TBR list now.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book too, but was a bit surprised that it just won the Schneider Family Award (instead of WONDER).
ReplyDeleteHey, good timing! As Joanne says above, it just won the Schneider Family Award at ALA Mid-winter. (And yes, there have been an awful lot of dog books recently. Time for the rabbits and/or guinea pigs to reassert themselves.)
ReplyDeleteRut roh, this one sounds like it might make me CRY! :D It sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Barbara! :o) <3
ReplyDeleteI'm with LTM on this one. I would be in tears if I read it. Sounds like a great story. :D
ReplyDeleteDogs are awesome. We love our basset hound! She so helped us as a bargaining tool to get my daughter to behave (then 3yo).
ReplyDeleteI have to say I've been avoiding this book because it's a dog story with a dead parent in it. Too many opportunities for tears! But your review is so timely, given the award this book received this morning. And I might get around to reading it yet.
ReplyDeleteOh man I'm always a sucker for dog stories. I'm so enamored with mine as well.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds tender and endearing. Thanks Barbara!
ReplyDeleteI remember reading your post on my phone, then checking twitter and then there was an explosion of awards!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIn addition to being intrigued by the premise I am completely in love with the cover.
Does sound endearing. Not a ghost story, even though she sees her mother. It's interesting, at ALA there was a publisher that specifically published books for young kids about homelessness. This isn't one of theirs, but I'm wondering if the economy is bringing this issue closer to home for a lot of kids. Or they see it more than they used to.
ReplyDeletethis sounds like one that I might want to check out and read. thanks for the review
ReplyDeleteI love stories that include a character with a disability or some other feature that allows them to see or perceive the world a bit differently. Definitely adding this book to my list!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good read. And I can always count on your to share dog stories that are full of heart! :) On my to-read list!
ReplyDeleteI know I'd love to read this story to my kids. It sounds wonderful and I'm putting it on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a really good book. I will be adding it to my TBR pile. I'm a sucker for dog stories too.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a sweet story! This easily seems like something I would have loved as a kid. I never failed to read anything I saw with a dog on the cover, haha!
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for a dog story, too. This book is one I can't wait to read. Your review was excellent and it made me want to get to know Cally! Thanks. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
This sounds like a great story. I love how you gave just enough to intrigue me, without giving anything away. Thanks! :o)
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