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The Dogs of Winter
A small boy, a cruel city, and the incredible dogs who save him.
Based on a true story!
When Ivan's mother disappears, he's abandoned on the streets of Moscow, with little chance to make it through the harsh winter. But help comes in an unexpected form: Ivan is adopted by a pack of dogs, and the dogs quickly become more than just his street companions: They become his family. Soon Ivan, who used to love reading fairytales, is practically living in one, as he and his pack roam the city and countryside, using their wits to find food and shelter, dodging danger, begging for coins. But Ivan can’t stay hidden from the world of people forever. When help is finally offered to him, will he be able to accept it? Will he even want to?
A heart-pounding tale of survival and a moving look at what makes us human.
Based on a true story!
When Ivan's mother disappears, he's abandoned on the streets of Moscow, with little chance to make it through the harsh winter. But help comes in an unexpected form: Ivan is adopted by a pack of dogs, and the dogs quickly become more than just his street companions: They become his family. Soon Ivan, who used to love reading fairytales, is practically living in one, as he and his pack roam the city and countryside, using their wits to find food and shelter, dodging danger, begging for coins. But Ivan can’t stay hidden from the world of people forever. When help is finally offered to him, will he be able to accept it? Will he even want to?
A heart-pounding tale of survival and a moving look at what makes us human.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
61 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
October 15, 2023
In 1996 I was living in West Virginia. I had been out of college for one year. Despite having graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration, I could not find a job that paid more than minimum wage. Things seemed bleak; I felt desperate, alone and afraid. I felt that life was tough and unfair. I had no clue.
At the same time, in Moscow, four year old Ivan Mishukov walked out of his flat to escape the daily horrors bestowed upon him by his mother and her alcoholic boyfriend. Life on the streets had to be better. He would not be alone. It was estimated that somewhere between 80,000 and 2 million homeless children occupied Moscow and St. Petersburg as a result of the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Feral dogs were also there, in the streets, alleys, train stations and even riding the trains. These facts, in and of themselves, are beyond sad. The amazingly resilient Ivan did something so unique that he stood out among the all of the “invisible” children.
A street child simply could not endure alone. Even if able to handle everything else, a lone child would most likely freeze to death in Russia’s harsh winter climate. Most children lived in groups to increase their chances. Ivan did not. At first, it did seem like the only option, but a little guy tough enough to abandon shelter for a “better” life is definitely not going to tolerate nastiness from other children. He turned to the dogs.
The Dogs of Winter is told through the voice of this little boy. To me, this is the absolute best way to share his story. Short sentences, acting out in anger, hurt feelings one moment then clapping with delight the next, ensure that the reader never forgets: this is a melancholy tale of a very, very young child. Ivan’s kindness and generosity extended to the wild canines is reciprocated. Soon, the boy is accepted into the pack and for two years, he has a family that loves him unconditionally. This is a family that supports and protects him, and in turn, he does the same for them. The child who now calls himself Malchik is happy.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view), the unique situation warranted so much attention that every effort was made to “save” Ivan. For reasons that I simply cannot fathom, Russian police became focused on removing Ivan from the streets and placing him an orphanage. The child that has endured more hardship in two years than most of us have in a life-time, now faces the toughest challenge ever. He does not wish to be “saved”; he needs to remain with the family that he chose.
While “conversations” and situations in Ms. Pyron’s sharing of Malchik’s story are fictional, insofar as no one truly knows exactly what transpired, the spirit in which it is told is true. I closed this book feeling very conflicted. Logic aside, I feel angry that Malchik was singled out. With thousands (millions?) of homeless children and feral dogs, why were resources focused on the one child that, by most accounts, was getting by without harming another living soul? Why was it imperative for Malchik to be separated from his dogs to be placed in an orphanage or mental hospital?
I wish everyone would read this book. In today’s world it can be so easy to become self-absorbed, to exist in our own little bubbles or corners of the world. I think that we can use these reality checks to step back and reassess. Who knows, maybe we can be so moved that we can make a difference.
This review was written for Buried Under Books Blog.
At the same time, in Moscow, four year old Ivan Mishukov walked out of his flat to escape the daily horrors bestowed upon him by his mother and her alcoholic boyfriend. Life on the streets had to be better. He would not be alone. It was estimated that somewhere between 80,000 and 2 million homeless children occupied Moscow and St. Petersburg as a result of the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Feral dogs were also there, in the streets, alleys, train stations and even riding the trains. These facts, in and of themselves, are beyond sad. The amazingly resilient Ivan did something so unique that he stood out among the all of the “invisible” children.
A street child simply could not endure alone. Even if able to handle everything else, a lone child would most likely freeze to death in Russia’s harsh winter climate. Most children lived in groups to increase their chances. Ivan did not. At first, it did seem like the only option, but a little guy tough enough to abandon shelter for a “better” life is definitely not going to tolerate nastiness from other children. He turned to the dogs.
The Dogs of Winter is told through the voice of this little boy. To me, this is the absolute best way to share his story. Short sentences, acting out in anger, hurt feelings one moment then clapping with delight the next, ensure that the reader never forgets: this is a melancholy tale of a very, very young child. Ivan’s kindness and generosity extended to the wild canines is reciprocated. Soon, the boy is accepted into the pack and for two years, he has a family that loves him unconditionally. This is a family that supports and protects him, and in turn, he does the same for them. The child who now calls himself Malchik is happy.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view), the unique situation warranted so much attention that every effort was made to “save” Ivan. For reasons that I simply cannot fathom, Russian police became focused on removing Ivan from the streets and placing him an orphanage. The child that has endured more hardship in two years than most of us have in a life-time, now faces the toughest challenge ever. He does not wish to be “saved”; he needs to remain with the family that he chose.
While “conversations” and situations in Ms. Pyron’s sharing of Malchik’s story are fictional, insofar as no one truly knows exactly what transpired, the spirit in which it is told is true. I closed this book feeling very conflicted. Logic aside, I feel angry that Malchik was singled out. With thousands (millions?) of homeless children and feral dogs, why were resources focused on the one child that, by most accounts, was getting by without harming another living soul? Why was it imperative for Malchik to be separated from his dogs to be placed in an orphanage or mental hospital?
I wish everyone would read this book. In today’s world it can be so easy to become self-absorbed, to exist in our own little bubbles or corners of the world. I think that we can use these reality checks to step back and reassess. Who knows, maybe we can be so moved that we can make a difference.
This review was written for Buried Under Books Blog.
April 15, 2023
According to research done by the author, after the break up of the Soviet Union in 1991, “the social and economic fabric of Russia was left in tatters.” “Gone were the government controlled systems such as health care, rent control, and pensions that had provided a safety net for families living on the edge of poverty.” Many families suffered as a result, and many people ultimately ended up homeless. “By the mid-1990’s, estimates of the number of homeless children in Moscow and St. Petersburg were anywhere between 80,000 and 2 million.”
In this story of friendship, loyalty, and survival, a young orphaned five year old boy named Ivan is left to live on the streets. With no one to care for him, he began to scrounge for food in garbage bins and beg for money from people in the vast subway system. Life was extremely dangerous for young children who were preyed upon by adults and by gangs of teenagers. In addition, the Russian winters left many homeless people frozen on the streets or in doorways.
Ivan is befriended by a group of homeless dogs who care for him and help him find shelter and food and become his family. The unbreakable bond they forge is remarkable and unforgettable. It’s hard to put this book down as you come to know and care for Ivan and the individual dogs in his pack. It leaves you thinking about the sharp contrast between the kindness exhibited by the dogs as opposed to the indifference, and often cruelty, shown by many of the adults that Ivan encounters. It’s a thought provoking story about homelessness and what it means to be a family.
This heartfelt and unforgettable novel is based on the true story of a young boy who was discovered living with a pack of street dogs in Moscow in 1998.
Although this book was written for middle school and young adult readers, it would definitely appeal to adults as well.
In this story of friendship, loyalty, and survival, a young orphaned five year old boy named Ivan is left to live on the streets. With no one to care for him, he began to scrounge for food in garbage bins and beg for money from people in the vast subway system. Life was extremely dangerous for young children who were preyed upon by adults and by gangs of teenagers. In addition, the Russian winters left many homeless people frozen on the streets or in doorways.
Ivan is befriended by a group of homeless dogs who care for him and help him find shelter and food and become his family. The unbreakable bond they forge is remarkable and unforgettable. It’s hard to put this book down as you come to know and care for Ivan and the individual dogs in his pack. It leaves you thinking about the sharp contrast between the kindness exhibited by the dogs as opposed to the indifference, and often cruelty, shown by many of the adults that Ivan encounters. It’s a thought provoking story about homelessness and what it means to be a family.
This heartfelt and unforgettable novel is based on the true story of a young boy who was discovered living with a pack of street dogs in Moscow in 1998.
Although this book was written for middle school and young adult readers, it would definitely appeal to adults as well.
February 3, 2014
A very emotional read, particularly for animal lovers. I found I had to read this in short bursts as I was constantly on edge worrying about what would happen to the dogs (and the boy). It is based on a true story set in Moscow in the 90s, and is a sad description of life for abandoned children at that time. I loved the dog characters and really connected with them. The ending is disappointing. I guess I wanted a happy ending after all the sadness, but we are not told how things ended for the dogs. This book will stay with me for some time I think.
December 12, 2014
It was a outstanding story, in my opinion. The story was about a little boy named Ivan tying to face the streets of Russia after he try's to run from the lady from the orphanage. He faces so many challanges during his small age. I am hoping to see a series of the book. This story is a nice story to read it has adventure, action, sadness, and courage.
January 16, 2025
I love this book so much and I've been reading it over and over since I was really young. I bought the book and now I can read it whenever I want and not have to go to the library for it. I totally recommend.
I also love how I got to grow and learn the main character and live in his life for a while. His story hits deep and it's based on a real story of a man that lived with dogs.
I also love how I got to grow and learn the main character and live in his life for a while. His story hits deep and it's based on a real story of a man that lived with dogs.
May 23, 2015
I loved this book but it broke my heart
March 19, 2013
I've been in the cold before, but author Bobby Pyron showed me that I had never been in the cold of Russia, like Mishka in The Dogs of Winter. This book starts out when Mishka is only five years old and progresses from there, as he grows older he learns new ways to survive as he lives on the streets. Mishka used to live a very normal life, with his grandmother and mother, however it is all turned upside down when eventually his babushka, or grandmother dies. His mother has no one to talk to, and becomes depressed. She idles and takes a long time to perform normal tasks, and later loses her job. These events soon throw Mishka onto the streets without food or money, always searching for his mother.
The theme of this book revolves around family, and survival. Even though Mishka does'nt have a real family, while searching for food in the streets, he notices how successful dogs are and befriends some of them, only after learning that the other children of the streets aren't so nice. But the dogs treat him kindly, and teach him a few things about how to live without money, and sometimes Mishka can even earn money by begging with the dogs.
The book was a combination of survival and adventure, always changing. It was an adventure because Mishka is always on the move with the dogs, not for fun, but just to stay alive. But it is a survival as well because he must learn to live from a pack of street dogs, steal from civilans, beg, dig through trash for food, and even hunt. Most of the time he lives in the city until he learns it is unsafe, and he and his dogs run to the forest, and learn to hunt. It could be either genre, but I would say it is an adventure.
Something that I absolutely loved about this book was the through out the entire book, it never changed from who it was being told, from Mishka. It is also told as a five year old would tell it, at times the words can be very simple, or how most characters besides his dogs, and real family don't have actually names like "Him", "He", is a man that comes to live with them after babushka dies, "he" is a very bad man and scares and hits Mishka, which is another reason why he leaves to the streets, Mishka hates how "he" treats him. Another thing I liked was how Mishka never, finished hos school, so his reading and vocabulary are very limited. This makes seeing new animals and objects very different and exciting for him. However there was one part in the book I did not like, this was little grandmother (a dog) died. even though you don'y learn very much about this small poor dog, you love her and when she dies due to the deconstruction of a building, you are very disapointed and very sad. It might have just been the way Mishka described the whole event, " A terrible shriek. I looked behind me and gasped. Grandmother lay trapped beneath the falled beam! I ran to her side. Blood trickled from her mouth. Her faded eyes eyes searched for mine. Don't worry my babushka, I'll get you out. She tried to thump her tail, but it would not lift." This is one of the saddest parts in the book, Grandmother eventually lies down and wont wake up, and the building is still falling apart so he must flee for his own safety. These terrible actions give the name of the chapter, "Buried Alive".
Over all I thought this was a great book, and what makes it even better knowing that it does not belong to fiction, it is all a true story. If this sounds like your kind of book, consider reading it, it will change your perspective on dogs, and if you have one, you'll realize how kind our own dogs really are.
The theme of this book revolves around family, and survival. Even though Mishka does'nt have a real family, while searching for food in the streets, he notices how successful dogs are and befriends some of them, only after learning that the other children of the streets aren't so nice. But the dogs treat him kindly, and teach him a few things about how to live without money, and sometimes Mishka can even earn money by begging with the dogs.
The book was a combination of survival and adventure, always changing. It was an adventure because Mishka is always on the move with the dogs, not for fun, but just to stay alive. But it is a survival as well because he must learn to live from a pack of street dogs, steal from civilans, beg, dig through trash for food, and even hunt. Most of the time he lives in the city until he learns it is unsafe, and he and his dogs run to the forest, and learn to hunt. It could be either genre, but I would say it is an adventure.
Something that I absolutely loved about this book was the through out the entire book, it never changed from who it was being told, from Mishka. It is also told as a five year old would tell it, at times the words can be very simple, or how most characters besides his dogs, and real family don't have actually names like "Him", "He", is a man that comes to live with them after babushka dies, "he" is a very bad man and scares and hits Mishka, which is another reason why he leaves to the streets, Mishka hates how "he" treats him. Another thing I liked was how Mishka never, finished hos school, so his reading and vocabulary are very limited. This makes seeing new animals and objects very different and exciting for him. However there was one part in the book I did not like, this was little grandmother (a dog) died. even though you don'y learn very much about this small poor dog, you love her and when she dies due to the deconstruction of a building, you are very disapointed and very sad. It might have just been the way Mishka described the whole event, " A terrible shriek. I looked behind me and gasped. Grandmother lay trapped beneath the falled beam! I ran to her side. Blood trickled from her mouth. Her faded eyes eyes searched for mine. Don't worry my babushka, I'll get you out. She tried to thump her tail, but it would not lift." This is one of the saddest parts in the book, Grandmother eventually lies down and wont wake up, and the building is still falling apart so he must flee for his own safety. These terrible actions give the name of the chapter, "Buried Alive".
Over all I thought this was a great book, and what makes it even better knowing that it does not belong to fiction, it is all a true story. If this sounds like your kind of book, consider reading it, it will change your perspective on dogs, and if you have one, you'll realize how kind our own dogs really are.
March 1, 2013
MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
Ivan's mother has disappeared and her boyfriend is taking him to an orphanage when he escapes rather than be thrown into such a desolate place. As a five year old boy, he is among many of Russia's children that have fallen through the cracks where social safety nets are no longer existent because of the downfall of communism. With no systems or limited funds in place, these children form gangs and substitute families where abuse runs rampant between the older and younger kids as well as the police. These children steal and beg to survive.
Even though Ivan is extremely young, he is wise beyond his years and soon figures out that these older kids are being mean to him. He sleeps under a bench in the subway right over a heat vent during the horrible winter. When he awakens and a dog is right next to him, he finds a new and constant friend. Forced to beg for the older kids, he hides money and buys food for the dog. He now has a fast friend and when he is beaten, Ivan decides to throw his lot in with the dogs instead of the abusive humans. Safe in their den, the dogs treat him as a welcome member of their pack. The family of dogs treat him better than any human has recently treated him.
The story follow Ivan for a year in his life with the dogs, foraging for food, roaming the train system and finding new places to live and survive. Ivan is a plucky hero, full of wit beyond his years and he really captured my heart. I was in tears at times at the abuse he endures and was shocked when I came to the end and the afterword described that this was based on a true story. Pyron has done a spectacular job at documenting the bond between a boy and dogs as well as brought to life some horrifying facts about the poor in Russia. Although, this is written for children, adults would be wise to read it as well.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
Ivan's mother has disappeared and her boyfriend is taking him to an orphanage when he escapes rather than be thrown into such a desolate place. As a five year old boy, he is among many of Russia's children that have fallen through the cracks where social safety nets are no longer existent because of the downfall of communism. With no systems or limited funds in place, these children form gangs and substitute families where abuse runs rampant between the older and younger kids as well as the police. These children steal and beg to survive.
Even though Ivan is extremely young, he is wise beyond his years and soon figures out that these older kids are being mean to him. He sleeps under a bench in the subway right over a heat vent during the horrible winter. When he awakens and a dog is right next to him, he finds a new and constant friend. Forced to beg for the older kids, he hides money and buys food for the dog. He now has a fast friend and when he is beaten, Ivan decides to throw his lot in with the dogs instead of the abusive humans. Safe in their den, the dogs treat him as a welcome member of their pack. The family of dogs treat him better than any human has recently treated him.
The story follow Ivan for a year in his life with the dogs, foraging for food, roaming the train system and finding new places to live and survive. Ivan is a plucky hero, full of wit beyond his years and he really captured my heart. I was in tears at times at the abuse he endures and was shocked when I came to the end and the afterword described that this was based on a true story. Pyron has done a spectacular job at documenting the bond between a boy and dogs as well as brought to life some horrifying facts about the poor in Russia. Although, this is written for children, adults would be wise to read it as well.
March 5, 2013
Once again, I'm struck by the power of a book that won't sit on the shelves in Fiction, but will take pride of place in the Young Adult section of the library.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed The Dogs of Winter. Actually, enjoyed is maybe not the best word. I was riveted, saddened, choked up with fear and sympathy for five year old Ivan and his dogs; rooting for him and horrified at the idea that this is based on a true story. Living on the streets and in the subway tunnels of an unnamed and cruel city; spending the warm months in the forest with only the protection and love his his pack of dogs, Ivan grows more and more feral every day until the thin line between human and dog is blurred.
Reading this book now was particularly interesting given the recent prohibition on American options by Putin and the continued disgrace of homeless, abandoned children in that country.
Above all, The Dogs of Winter is a book that reminds me of the reason I loved dog stories as a kid. Pyron tells the story in Ivan's voice and yet didn't make him sound so juvenile that he wasn't believable. The Dogs of Winter couldn't have been an easy book to write.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed The Dogs of Winter. Actually, enjoyed is maybe not the best word. I was riveted, saddened, choked up with fear and sympathy for five year old Ivan and his dogs; rooting for him and horrified at the idea that this is based on a true story. Living on the streets and in the subway tunnels of an unnamed and cruel city; spending the warm months in the forest with only the protection and love his his pack of dogs, Ivan grows more and more feral every day until the thin line between human and dog is blurred.
Reading this book now was particularly interesting given the recent prohibition on American options by Putin and the continued disgrace of homeless, abandoned children in that country.
Above all, The Dogs of Winter is a book that reminds me of the reason I loved dog stories as a kid. Pyron tells the story in Ivan's voice and yet didn't make him sound so juvenile that he wasn't believable. The Dogs of Winter couldn't have been an easy book to write.
April 9, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. It included all of the things which makes books interesting. Didn't exactly agree with the ending - really not what I'd hoped for - but it was definitely something I'll remember.
This book made me think about how you can grow attached to someone so quickly when Smoke looks at Mishka and tells him: "Mishka, my boy." I kept thinking about it again whenever the other dogs would look after him, too - for instance, Little Mother would always nurture him and lick him whenever he was injured, and Lucky took after the brother role and stuck with Mishka whenever he went away from the pack. The writer is teaching us about the importance of family because in this scenario, the dogs needed Mishka as much as Mishka needed the dogs; Mishka would beg for money to buy food, and the dogs provided safety. This is a clear definition of family, as everyone relies one another. In my opinion, family is a really important aspect of life because they can provide comfort and safety you can't feel anywhere else.
This book made me think about how you can grow attached to someone so quickly when Smoke looks at Mishka and tells him: "Mishka, my boy." I kept thinking about it again whenever the other dogs would look after him, too - for instance, Little Mother would always nurture him and lick him whenever he was injured, and Lucky took after the brother role and stuck with Mishka whenever he went away from the pack. The writer is teaching us about the importance of family because in this scenario, the dogs needed Mishka as much as Mishka needed the dogs; Mishka would beg for money to buy food, and the dogs provided safety. This is a clear definition of family, as everyone relies one another. In my opinion, family is a really important aspect of life because they can provide comfort and safety you can't feel anywhere else.
November 12, 2015
I spent pretty much this whole book on the verge of crying my eyes out over how much I wanted to scoop up and mother this poor homeless child (and not just because he would come with 7 wonderful dogs), which is not a feeling I have ever had before in my life. The only thing that staved it off was how loving and protective the dogs with whom he formed a symbiotic relationship for warmth, food, affection and protection were. But that had me on the verge of crying most of the time too, because a homeless dog's life is even more fraught with danger than a person's and there was no way this could end well for everybody. What a wonderful soul-puncher of a book.
May 24, 2020
This book told the true story of Ivan Panteoich, who was thrown on the streets of Moscow in 1991 at age 5 by his stepfather after his mother disappeared. For the next 2 years, he battles street gangs, hunger, thieves, the cold, and the orphanage mangers, surviving with the help of a pack of feral dogs.
Warning: some allusions to inter-spirit communication with dogs, prostitution and death from AIDS, and usuages of bad language(damn, hell and screw)!
Rating: 3 stars
Recommend: for older readers
Warning: some allusions to inter-spirit communication with dogs, prostitution and death from AIDS, and usuages of bad language(damn, hell and screw)!
Rating: 3 stars
Recommend: for older readers
November 21, 2016
BAD ENDING! he SHOULD HAVE lived on with the dogs and be HAPPY but no........... he had to live on as a artist! boooooooo on a scale of 1-10its a 0! i LOVED it, UNTIL he got kidnapped by cops separated from the dogs and lived as an artist! i HATE it NOW!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2022
fave book 🥰
November 7, 2023
Based on a true story, this middle grade book about a small, abandoned boy surviving after the fall of Russia by bonding with a pack of dogs is a fascinating one. There were a few times I had a hard time accepting that this was a five or six year old boy because he did things that seemed older. Beware - there were some tough parts dealing with the survival of all of them that some sensitive students might have difficulty with.
December 28, 2019
This is a remarkable story and will go down as one of my favourite reads of 2019.
Inspired by true events, it tells the story of Mishka, a Russian street child, who is abandoned, at the age of five, on the streets of Leningrad in the 1990s.
After some initial brushes with other street kids, Mishka eventually takes his chances with a pack of street dogs, who protect him from the dangers of living on the harsh streets during a Russian winter.
It is an intriguing and harsh read - my only frustration being that Mishka's whereabouts today are unknown... it would be fascinating to know what has happened to him.
Inspired by true events, it tells the story of Mishka, a Russian street child, who is abandoned, at the age of five, on the streets of Leningrad in the 1990s.
After some initial brushes with other street kids, Mishka eventually takes his chances with a pack of street dogs, who protect him from the dangers of living on the harsh streets during a Russian winter.
It is an intriguing and harsh read - my only frustration being that Mishka's whereabouts today are unknown... it would be fascinating to know what has happened to him.
July 31, 2020
A fascinating story, accessible, & hopefully appealing to a wide range of ages. The book is based on true story.
During tough economic times children, of all ages, are out on the street, begging for money and/or food. There are moments when one wonders who the true "animals" are.
Although it's aimed at a young audience I'd recommend it as a read for all ages.
During tough economic times children, of all ages, are out on the street, begging for money and/or food. There are moments when one wonders who the true "animals" are.
Although it's aimed at a young audience I'd recommend it as a read for all ages.
December 11, 2022
I couldn't stop reading this once I began. Well-written, heart-wrenching story.
February 10, 2025
While this is technically a middle grade book I read it as an adult. I really enjoyed it and it has stuck with me. I can't imagine going through thing things these children have gone through. I recommend giving it a read. Adults - don't let the fact that it is a middle grade book stop you from reading it.
July 21, 2020
This is one of my favorite books. I have read it many more times than what GR says I have, and I probably won't get tired of it soon.
I've always been intrigued (maybe intrigued isn't the exact word I'm looking for since it's a sad topic) in the idea of kids living like this in the streets. I don't know why. I just find it...something I want to learn more about because I don't think people should have to go through a life like that. People should be more aware of this issue.
Anyway, I loved this book and I hold it close. Let me know if you know of any similar books.
Content:
Language--only a few uses of **ll, **mn
Sexy Stuff/Romance--N/A
Violence--Characters get beaten up, bitten, some slight mentions of girls doing things for men in exchange for money and other things
Other--some substance abuse such as getting high on glue and other things, getting drunk, and smoking. While Ivan himself doesn't do any of this, there are the mentions of other street kids doing it.
There are also gangs of older boys who are mean and violent.
I've always been intrigued (maybe intrigued isn't the exact word I'm looking for since it's a sad topic) in the idea of kids living like this in the streets. I don't know why. I just find it...something I want to learn more about because I don't think people should have to go through a life like that. People should be more aware of this issue.
Anyway, I loved this book and I hold it close. Let me know if you know of any similar books.
Content:
Language--only a few uses of **ll, **mn
Sexy Stuff/Romance--N/A
Violence--Characters get beaten up, bitten, some slight mentions of girls doing things for men in exchange for money and other things
Other--some substance abuse such as getting high on glue and other things, getting drunk, and smoking. While Ivan himself doesn't do any of this, there are the mentions of other street kids doing it.
There are also gangs of older boys who are mean and violent.
December 15, 2012
When 5-year-old Mishka’s Babushka Ina dies and his mother is suddenly gone, the bad man takes him to The City. Mishka runs away and joins a gang of street kids who sleep in the train stations, steal and beg. As winter approaches, the gangs become more violent, as do the police who try to rid the underground of the homeless children. Mishka befriends a dog, Lucky, and his pack who let the small boy share their food and keep him warm. Soon, he is known as Dog Boy. These wild dogs protect him and he helps care for them and their puppies, but the people in the city want to send him to an orphanage. This beautifully written book is both sad and hopeful, a moving story about the plight of the homeless children in Moscow.
June 17, 2013
I hope this makes the WAW nomination but we'll have to be careful with younger readers since it has references to drugs and prostitution. Again, like with Breaking Stalin's Nose, I haven't read much historical fiction about Russia, so I enjoyed learning about it. In this story a boy's mother dies and her boyfriend abandons him so he starts living on the streets and begging. He ends up living with a pack of dogs who love and accept him more than any of the people he meets. This is a yes vote for me.
April 22, 2014
Wonderful but heartbreaking book based on the true story of a five year old boy who, after the fall of the Soviet Union, chooses to live with a pack of wild dogs in order to survive. Not much is actually known about how the faithful, protective dogs managed to care for the child or why they were willing to do it, but the author does a good job putting the puzzle pieces together. It breaks my heart that children are forced into such dire situations but it is a great story of what humans are willing to endure to survive.
November 14, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. Ivan's life was so hard, but the friendship and bonds he built with the wild dogs really made you feel good for him. It was written wonderfully, and it's so easy to get immersed in Ivan's story. I didn't know until after I read it that it was based on a true story, and that just makes this story all the more heart-breaking. Despite the sadness of the story, the connections he forms with the dogs are beautiful, and the fact that humans interfered with that beautiful bond is absolutely heart-wrenching.
March 17, 2017
Actually very wrenching read. My 12 year old son cried at the end and I actually only read the first half (shhhh, don't tell him, he'll kill me) because I have too much to read for award group and work right now. What I did read was beautiful and so very sad.
This novel works for both boys and girls. Targets readers who enjoy dog stories, adventure, other cultures and character heavy novels.
This novel works for both boys and girls. Targets readers who enjoy dog stories, adventure, other cultures and character heavy novels.
October 10, 2017
I have read this book twice and still LOVE it! One of my favorite books.
September 16, 2022
Ripped my heart out. 10/10
December 9, 2017
I very much enjoyed this book. It was wonderful. I definitely have a warm feeling whenever I look at it or think about it. You just take this amazing journey full of sadness but also happiness with Ivan and his pack that protected him and loved him as one of their own. And the fact that it was based off a true story makes it all the more powerful. I was also able to learn some things about Russia and what happened after the Soviet Union fell in the 90’s, the thousands of homeless people and children who lived on the streets and fought against the harsh winters and starvation every day. There was some beautiful imagery in there, and I loved it. The author was really good at creating the setting and imagery, I really have the streets or Russia in my head with snow everywhere. I lived in the glass greenhouse Ivan and the dogs lived in, I can feel the warmth of the train stations. I think it was also good because I found it easy to understand, sometimes when books are explaining sceneries, I find it hard to follow all they are saying and what it looks like, or imagine for example, something going downhill when later they are actually going uphill, which then stuffs up the whole picture in my head. But this one I got a beautiful scene straight away, and I really liked it. It reminded me a lot of The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and im not sure why, maybe something to do with the scene.
I cried a few times in the book. It was definitely a very sad story, but also humbling and heart-warming. I noted a bunch of pages and paragraphs, even whole chapters that I loved. I loved the chapter ‘Trains’ and ‘Fever Dreams’ at the end of the book. His dream made me smile and laugh, the dogs on the Ferris Wheel, going around and round, then flying up with Ivan as wings spread from their bodies. So cute. Overall an amazing read and so glad I read it.
I cried a few times in the book. It was definitely a very sad story, but also humbling and heart-warming. I noted a bunch of pages and paragraphs, even whole chapters that I loved. I loved the chapter ‘Trains’ and ‘Fever Dreams’ at the end of the book. His dream made me smile and laugh, the dogs on the Ferris Wheel, going around and round, then flying up with Ivan as wings spread from their bodies. So cute. Overall an amazing read and so glad I read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2018
“You’ll never make it, Sobachonok. The winter will get you or the gangs or the militsiya, but you won’t make it.” Vadim, a fake boy who non-genuinely helped.
The Dogs of Winter, written by Bobbie Pyron is a sad, yet heartwarming story of a boy who is abandoned on the streets of Moscow, after her mother mysteriously “disappears.” The genre is non-fiction, and is based off a true story. The main character is Ivan Mishka or as the street beggar kids said, Dog Boy, is a five year old who is determined to find his mother even though she has “disappeared.” The only true friends this little boy has on the streets of Moscow is the six dogs that visit him. The dogs’ names are Lucky, Smoke, Grandmother, Rip, Little mother, and Star.
Some of the characters/minor characters were not very well developed, like Rudy, Vadim, or Anya. Even though I despised how Rudy, Anya, and Vadim treated them, you can sympathize with the kid beggars because they want food, and blankets. Rudy and Anya were so frustrated with Ivan because he kept wanting to feed the dogs, in addition to them. In the present time real world, Moscow, Russia is still struggling as in the book.
The only compliant I have about this book is that it is kinda slow paced to get into the book. However, once you get the the rising actions or climax, you will not want to stop reading this book. There are so many upsetting parts towards the middle and ending. I would suggest having tissues next to you if you are really emotional. Even some of the bullies have feelings too. They don’t know how to act to survive.
The Dogs of Winter, written by Bobbie Pyron is a sad, yet heartwarming story of a boy who is abandoned on the streets of Moscow, after her mother mysteriously “disappears.” The genre is non-fiction, and is based off a true story. The main character is Ivan Mishka or as the street beggar kids said, Dog Boy, is a five year old who is determined to find his mother even though she has “disappeared.” The only true friends this little boy has on the streets of Moscow is the six dogs that visit him. The dogs’ names are Lucky, Smoke, Grandmother, Rip, Little mother, and Star.
Some of the characters/minor characters were not very well developed, like Rudy, Vadim, or Anya. Even though I despised how Rudy, Anya, and Vadim treated them, you can sympathize with the kid beggars because they want food, and blankets. Rudy and Anya were so frustrated with Ivan because he kept wanting to feed the dogs, in addition to them. In the present time real world, Moscow, Russia is still struggling as in the book.
The only compliant I have about this book is that it is kinda slow paced to get into the book. However, once you get the the rising actions or climax, you will not want to stop reading this book. There are so many upsetting parts towards the middle and ending. I would suggest having tissues next to you if you are really emotional. Even some of the bullies have feelings too. They don’t know how to act to survive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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