Pick of the Litter

by Bill Wallace

Tom's grandfather is recovering from heart surgery, so during summer vacation Tom is helping him with his hunting dog business. It's hard work, but Tom doesn't mind so much after he falls in love with one of the pups, a rare blue-eyed pointer Tom names Tad. It's almost as if Tad understands when Tom talks to him, especially about confusing things like how hard it is to write to Angie, a girl Tom met on vacation.

The trouble is, Grandpa promised the owner of the pup's sire the pick of the litter, and it's pretty clear that's Tad. Tom knows what he should do, but he can't help hoping there's a way to get around Grandpa's promise. How can he do the honorable thing when it will cost him what he wants most in the world?

Genres: Animals, Fiction, Childrens, Dogs, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Bill Wallace was an American teacher and later an author of children's books. He started writing to quiet down his fourth grade students, who loved his stories and encouraged him to make “real” books.

Bill Wallace grew up in Oklahoma. Along with riding their horses, he and his friends enjoyed campouts and fishing trips. Toasting marshmallows, telling ghost stories to scare one another, and catching fish was always fun.

Bill Wallace has won numerous children's state awards and been awarded the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award for Children's Literature from the Oklahoma Center for the Book.

Bill Wallace died from Lung cancer on January 30, 2012.

Former elementary school teacher; West Elementary School, Chickasha, OK, principal, since 1977, and physical education teacher. Speaker at schools and universities in various states, including State University of New York and University of South Florida.

AWARDS:

Bluebonnet Award from Texas Association of School Librarians and Children's Round Table and Sequoyah Children's Book Award from Oklahoma State Department of Education, both 1983, Central Missouri State University Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 1984, and Nebraska Golden Sowers Award from Nebraska Library Association, 1985, all for A Dog Called Kitty; Central Missouri State University Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 1984, and Pine Tree Book Award, 1985, both for Trapped in Death Cave.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything adventure, friendship, romance,....well okay puppy love. I absolutely loved this book maybe because I am a huge dog lover,but more than that it had life lessons to learn. Everything from honor, freindship and unconditional love and respect for what is right and true to ones conscience.

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

H

[Gisselle Rangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like books about kids who fall in love with a pet then this book is for you. I love the Author Bill Wallace but the books I've read of his are always about boys. Tom (the main character) is helping his Grandpa during his summer vacation because he had just got a surgery. I like that Tom has a great big connection with Tad (the dog). You can tell it's very strong. I can relate to it because I have a strong connection like that with my dogs. Not as strong but I wish it was,they like my dad way better.

[Alejandra torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really,really like, no! I love this book because there's a adventure with the dog and the boy. I recommend this book to people who love romance because there's romance with the boy and the dog... im just like the dog because he loves and adventure. I hope people love this book if they read it. and if not then I will insure you to they will have to read it again.

[Aleigha (LeighLee) Marie✞❀❦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

Tom's grandfather is recovering from heart surgery, so during summer vacation Tom is helping him with his hunting dog business. It's hard work, but Tom doesn't mind so much after he falls in love with one of the pups, a rare blue-eyed pointer Tom names Tad.

[Delaney Mickelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout the course of the summer before sixth grade, Tom learns about being honest and working hard. I found this to be a relatable book for many young readers and written in a way that allows them to easily grasp the story’s themes. This book is one that could be read by an above-level second grader, or a struggling reader in an upper elementary grade. The author, Bill Wallace, uses a light-hearted story about dogs to teach readers about the appreciation and rewards of being honest and working hard on a daily basis. Pick of the Litter is written is from Tom’s perspective which gives readers insight into his thoughts as he is accused of lying in the opening chapters. The reoccurring references to the beginning’s accusations, draw the reader back into the overarching themes of the book of honesty and hard work. As an aspiring teacher, I would read this book aloud to my future students or encourage them to read it on their own.

[Joseph Bravo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this random book in school so I read it and it was cool :)

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book! Love Bill Wallace. He puts the reader into the mind of the 5th grade young boy (Tom) who is the main character. I’ve always loved a good dog story (especially when it doesn’t end with death of the dog). This book is about a young boy growing up (puberty) and his struggles to mature as a young gentleman. He learns to find the courage to do the right thing even when it is more painful to do so
On the last page Tom is examining his conscience with regards to the meaning of having courage. He says he always thought courage meant “a fireman running into a burning building to save someone” or “a soldier going into the thick of battles to save his comrades” or “even being brave enough to stand up to a bully.” What he finds in the end is summed up in this direct quote from last page 172 “Sometimes maybe just doing what’s right - when it’s the last thing you want to do- maybe that is courage. Just a different kind. Who knows?” Great stuff.
One of my students (when I taught 6th grade reading) was reading this for my independent reading homework and then I bought the book at a used book store and it’s languished on my “to read” shelf for ten years. So glad no picked it up now!

[Melanie Wissel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars Children’s literature

I love Bill Wallace books; they are perfect for the targeted children they are written for. They have respectful kids often paired with grandparents having to make choices that are hard but right. This book is no exception.

Tom is helping out his grandfather who is recovering from major surgery. His grandfather breeds and trains pointers, owing the pick of the litter to the owner of the breeding father dog. The dilemma arises when the pick of the litter, Tad, is the very dog that Tom has fallen in love with. There is also a girl interest who Tom is writing letters to. So it’s a first love, puppy love book with clear life lessons on honor and true character. I have rounded up due to the excellent example and moral character of the book. So refreshing!

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because I am doing a BINGO reading challenge and needed to read a book with a dog on the cover. We recently got our first puppy dog, so I thought it would be fun to read about dogs too. Well, I read it. I didn't love it, but it wasn't bad. I did learn something about myself though. I evidently don't really enjoy reading about quail hunting and the specific terms involved in training a bird dog to do his thing. Oh, well. Can't love 'em all. My favorite parts of this book were the very beginning, the school stuff, and the vacation. I also enjoyed the letters and the friendship that continued to thrive because of them.

[Genrard · Rating 1 out of 5]

We don't even get to the main story with the dog until 75% of the book is done. Its prefaced with a boring classroom scene and a vacation scene that was very idyllic and completely improbable. The main "lesson" is having courage and honoring promises but I think people should just tell it like it is. If he wanted the dog, he should have said "that's mine." The kids also don't think like kids. There's also a not-so-subtle preachiness message throughout the book. Also I really didn't like the "female dog" joke at the end; its officially called a bitch and should not be censored.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually try to talk my kids out of early chapter books for read aloud because I find them annoying. But when he saw a book with a puppy on the cover my 8 year old was sure he would love it. I think we were mutually disappointed. There was more 10 year old "romance" than puppies. My son didn't like that any more than I did. I think it is ridiculous for 10 year old girls and boys to be even thinking about romantic kissing.

[Eremite · Rating 3 out of 5]

My seven year old daughter enjoyed having this read to her, but I suspect it might appeal more to boys (despite the misleading cover). For a while it seemed like there were three completely separate plot lines (school, grandpa's dogs and a girlfriend) but they did end up being tied together by the end with lessons on courage and honor. And it was interesting to learn a bit about training bird dogs.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A precious story about a boy and his pup...such a fun little read! Really appreciate the opportunity for learning more about pointers, pointing, honor pointing, etc. It made for a great supplemental lesson!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story felt choppy and unrelated. Like going down many rabbit holes. Events could have been woven together in a smoother way I feel. Cute story line.

Quote from book: "The only thing a man has - the only thing that's really his - is his word. That and his faith in God."

[Eden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm down to the last few books in my bookcase. I found this one, obviously something I picked up when I was younger. I suppose it wasn't too bad. The romance between Angie and Tom wasn't too bad for a children's book.

[Lexi Faith Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cutest story ever!

[Cena Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real aloud with Stormy. 5 stars is not enough.

[Yandel]

Cual es el final??

[Theresa Ledgister · Rating 1 out of 5]

need to read

[Renae Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day I was out in my backyard with my dog when this cute little red headed girl walks up to and starts talking to me and Bingley. She asks a hundred questions (as 8-year-olds are prone to do), and played with Bingley through the fence. At one point she asks, “Is he a Brittany?” Well this got my attention, because no one gets his breed right. Brittanys are just rare enough that people always mistake them for something else - springer spaniels, cocker spaniels, australian shepherds, etc. So I was impressed. Then she went on to tell me she was reading a book at school about a Brittany puppy, had I read it? It’s really good and it’s all about doing the right thing. Well of course I took note of the title and researched it as soon as I got back inside and was thrilled when I found a copy at my local Half Price Books.

Anyway, that was all years ago and I just now picked it up to read it. And I’m glad I did. It was super cute and my little neighbor girl’s summary was pretty spot-on. It is all about doing the right thing.

Tom spends his summer helping out his grandfather, a dog breeder, at his kennel. They care for and train dogs all summer long and Tom falls in love with one Brittany puppy that is promised to someone else. So he is faced with an internal struggle with keeping that puppy vs. honoring his grandfather’s promise. Oh and Tom also goes on vacation to Six Flags and meets a girl and they fall in love.

All-in-all it was a fun, quick read. And it reminded me of the happy time when we brought Bingley home from the breeder and trained him.

(Reading Challenge category: A book recommended by someone you just met)

[Ashlee Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

For starters me being the age I am, this book was very interesting to me. it actually taught me some life lessons.
A boy named tom is helping out his grandfather for the summer. The reason he is doing this is because he was recovering from surgery. tom decides to help his grandfather with what he does in his everyday life before the surgery ; which was holding a dog hunting business. this business actually lead Tom to kind of gain a relationship with one of the puppies. Tom names this puppy Tad. To be honest Tad is a very unique name. And its really different because not any people would name a dog Tad. Tom often feels very connected with him to the point when they actually have conversations. I know it may seem crazy but Tom actually thinks that tad was listening to him during all of his conversations with him. Tom often talks about a girl he like over summer vacation named Angie. Angie was one of the coolest people to Tom she wasn't really like the other girls to him he was special to him and that's what he talked to Tad about. Tom normally Kept Tad as a personal diary that he can go to when he just wanted to talk.

Until one day the owner comes and wants to buys Tad. Tom feels as if its not fair and tries to devise a plan to keep Tad. If you want to find out what happens next you should read the book trust me its worth it.

[Sarah.buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pick of the Litter is a really Good book. It's about a young boy about 12 falls in love with a girl and a dog. During the summer Tom meets a girl at the fair and Helps his grandpa during the summer with a dog business. One dog on the farm has puppies and one particular puppy loves to be around Tom. They have a strong bond during the summer but his grandpa breaks some news to him. Jeb Owens the owner of the father of the puppies, is coming to pick one puppy out of the litter. Tod is angry with his grandfather because he will not let Tod hid the puppy til Jeb is gone. Jeb is eyeing Tod's puppy. Jeb understands the relationship between the two and decides not to take the puppy. Tod decides to name the puppy Tad. Now Tod and Tad are best friends and taking a trip down to the lake every now and then. I recomend you read this book because if your a dog lover you are going to love this book!

[Mariah Vikander · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the book Pick of the Litter. It is about a boy that is at school on the last day of school and he had to stay after the day before to finish writing his word that he got wrong 20 times. He was suppose to set them on the table in the teachers lounge, but the janitor was cleaning he set them on the top of the book shelf. In the morning when the teacher came in, in the morning the spelling words were not there. So when the boy got to school the teacher thought that he took them home and made him stay inside when the rest of the class went outside for recess. I recommend this book for every body. Also it is a very easy book

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this book deserves a 3.5 but I don't have the heart to give it a seemingly three stars on the rating. It's an ok book, but It just gets all sappy at the end- cause Tom's 'pa has to let some dude get the pick of his litter, but toms already chosen his- the best, and names it tad ! So when the guy gets here he goes and holds tad and says 'this is a mighty fine dog of yours. Probably the best. The best in the whole litter! Hmmm." But for some reason he goes, 'but I want a girl dog.' And goes and picks up an ugly female from the back.... WHO DOES THAT? I MEAN HE HAD A REASON TO DO IT BUT SERIOUSLY!

[Cay-lamity · Rating 3 out of 5]

T H O U G H T S:

funny story: when i was nine years old, i used white out to erase the sentence in which the main characters kiss {because i thought it was inappropriate} and wrote in 'hug'. ah, the days of innocence. this book was a beautiful childhood favorite. adventurous and romantic, it radiates with meaningful lessons of honor, friendship, respect, and unconditional love in the simplest and most complex of ways. and, of course, puppy love. who can say no to that?

R A T I N G:

plot // 4
pacing // 3
language // 3
story world // 3
protagonist // 4
antagonist // 3

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom decides to spend his summer helping his grandfather with his dog kennel. A couple of dogs have puppies and Tom loves one Pointer puppy with blue eyes. He names him Tad. The only problem is the owner of the father of the puppies has been promised the pick of the litter. It is pretty clear that it will be Tad.

Reasons I like this book-

Reason 1- The story has many dogs in it.

Reason 2- I was kept entertained while readind.

Reason 3- The book has a good ending.

[Kiersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this book 4 stars because it has animals in it, and has to do with hunting or teaching dogs how to hunt. Also I csn relate to it. I really liked when the guy bought Tad for Tom. I didn't like how Tom felt after his grandpa told him the guy was coming to pick a pup. This book was good because it was interesting and kept you wondering. Even though it was all about Tom, his grandpa, and the dogs. The book still gave alot of information.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book surprised me a bit. Normally, I am not thrilled by "animal" books, but this one had a plot and meaningful human characters too. Tom is helping his grandfather recover from heart surgery and looking after their dogs, training them to bird hunt, point, etc. He forms a special connection to a pup he calls Tad and relies on that friendship through some confusing "growing up" moments. It was a nice little story.