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Tuck #1
The Trouble with Tuck
Available for the first time in a Yearling edition, the classic, inspiring story of a dog who triumphs against all odds, by the bestselling author of The Cay .
Helen adored her beautiful golden Labrador from the first moment he was placed in her arms, a squirming fat sausage of creamy yellow fur. As her best friend, Friar Tuck waited daily for Helen to come home from school and play. He guarded her through the long, scary hours of the dark night. Twice he even saved her life.
Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail.
Helen adored her beautiful golden Labrador from the first moment he was placed in her arms, a squirming fat sausage of creamy yellow fur. As her best friend, Friar Tuck waited daily for Helen to come home from school and play. He guarded her through the long, scary hours of the dark night. Twice he even saved her life.
Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
38 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Theodore Taylor
117 books106 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 4, 2020
What a wonderful book, and although it is written as a story it is based on true facts.
It is a story about a special pet (all are special) that goes blind, and the girl who would do anything to make his life better. This is a tale that tells how if you never give up, even when things seem impossible, even when people tell you it cannot be done, that perseverance can often win. Faith is stronger than discouragement, and Love is stronger than almost anything.
I'd read Mr. Taylor's "The Cay" years ago and it has always stayed on my favorites list. I was lucky to find this book by chance at the dollar store (you never know) and didn't realize until I got it home that it was the same author. I intend to begin searching for more of his books. He was a wonderful writer.
You will definitely enjoy this book.
It is a story about a special pet (all are special) that goes blind, and the girl who would do anything to make his life better. This is a tale that tells how if you never give up, even when things seem impossible, even when people tell you it cannot be done, that perseverance can often win. Faith is stronger than discouragement, and Love is stronger than almost anything.
I'd read Mr. Taylor's "The Cay" years ago and it has always stayed on my favorites list. I was lucky to find this book by chance at the dollar store (you never know) and didn't realize until I got it home that it was the same author. I intend to begin searching for more of his books. He was a wonderful writer.
You will definitely enjoy this book.
March 24, 2024
Very nice story. The main character is a young girl, but the book is told well enough that everyone can enjoy it. Story is a great example of persistence and thinking of a novel solution to a big problem with her dog.
I liked this bit about her bonding with the dog:
'Because he'd become “civilized,” Tuck was now a permanent night resident in my room, and although I maintained to everyone that he slept strictly on my bedside rug, there wasn't a single night that I couldn't feel his weight at the end of my bed, often a cozy lump over my feet. He was my security in the darkness, my knight of the night.'
I also liked this observation that started them thinking there may be trouble with Tuck:
'I said, "he quit chasing the doves.'
It is a hard lesson I have learned in the past, when there is a change with your dog, best to take them in for a visit to the vet.
Although I really liked the book, a good conversation would be had about how in the past, it was less dangerous to let your dog run free. Now it is downright crazy. More room between houses, less cars, slower cars, perhaps not as common dog catchers. Not good then, much much worse now. There are few things as beautiful as a happy dog running off leash though.
I liked this bit about her bonding with the dog:
'Because he'd become “civilized,” Tuck was now a permanent night resident in my room, and although I maintained to everyone that he slept strictly on my bedside rug, there wasn't a single night that I couldn't feel his weight at the end of my bed, often a cozy lump over my feet. He was my security in the darkness, my knight of the night.'
I also liked this observation that started them thinking there may be trouble with Tuck:
'I said, "he quit chasing the doves.'
It is a hard lesson I have learned in the past, when there is a change with your dog, best to take them in for a visit to the vet.
Although I really liked the book, a good conversation would be had about how in the past, it was less dangerous to let your dog run free. Now it is downright crazy. More room between houses, less cars, slower cars, perhaps not as common dog catchers. Not good then, much much worse now. There are few things as beautiful as a happy dog running off leash though.
June 28, 2018
The more I thought about this book the more I disliked it. Minor spoilers to follow. Read at your own risk.
1. Animal story. I hate them.
2. The girl. She's so selfish. When the dog is actually going blind, the girl wants to use a dog that's trained to help blind people. I could've slapped her. Seriously, that is so selfish. And the whole reason her dog needs one is because she wants to keep letting Tuck wander at will, which is a whole other problem.
3. DON'T LET YOUR DOGS WANDER AROUND. I hate people that let their dogs wander around at will. First off, it's extremely dangerous. We've all had to stop for dogs sprinting in front of us when we're out driving. I would feel horrible if I accidentally hit a dog, and I would never forgive the owners if they'd just been letting the dog run around at will. Let's also keep in mind that these are still animals. They lash out. My sister was bit by a dog as a toddler because the dog got annoyed with her. This particular dog had never been known to be violent. In this story, the vet particularly said going blind could make Tuck more testy. How DUMB to let him wander around. It seriously made me so angry.
While a lot of reviewers found it sweet, I found it obnoxious and stupid. I hate that it's on the BOB list.
1. Animal story. I hate them.
2. The girl. She's so selfish. When the dog is actually going blind, the girl wants to use a dog that's trained to help blind people. I could've slapped her. Seriously, that is so selfish. And the whole reason her dog needs one is because she wants to keep letting Tuck wander at will, which is a whole other problem.
3. DON'T LET YOUR DOGS WANDER AROUND. I hate people that let their dogs wander around at will. First off, it's extremely dangerous. We've all had to stop for dogs sprinting in front of us when we're out driving. I would feel horrible if I accidentally hit a dog, and I would never forgive the owners if they'd just been letting the dog run around at will. Let's also keep in mind that these are still animals. They lash out. My sister was bit by a dog as a toddler because the dog got annoyed with her. This particular dog had never been known to be violent. In this story, the vet particularly said going blind could make Tuck more testy. How DUMB to let him wander around. It seriously made me so angry.
While a lot of reviewers found it sweet, I found it obnoxious and stupid. I hate that it's on the BOB list.
September 20, 2015
I remember seeing this book on an episode of Reading Rainbow and racing to the library to check it out. The rest of my classmates went to ask the librarian, but I emerged, victorious, after going straight to where it was shelved. What can I say? I am a competitive reader.
These days, I have only one thing I'd like to say in response to this book:
PUT.
YOUR.
DOG.
ON.
A.
#@&$ING.
LEASH.
Har har, so cute, your dog's got free run of the neighborhood, so sweet, he comes home every time. "But I can't leash him! It's cruel!" and "He tears up the house when I try to confine him! He's meant to roam free!"
My dogs have been attacked twice by other dogs in the past three months. Both times, the owners were standing right there. Our dogs were leashed. Theirs were not. DOGS ARE ANIMALS. THEY ARE WONDERFUL, BUT THEY ARE ANIMALS. THEY WILL REACT INSTINCTIVELY, WHETHER AGAINST ANOTHER DOG OR A CHILD. Leashing your beloved pets not only protects others, but protects them, too. I know what it's like to have a dog put down because of his "instinct" to lunge or bite or protect (or whatever was going through his head that day). I can tell you it is one of the worst things I have ever experienced.
Love your dogs. Leash your dogs.
These days, I have only one thing I'd like to say in response to this book:
PUT.
YOUR.
DOG.
ON.
A.
#@&$ING.
LEASH.
Har har, so cute, your dog's got free run of the neighborhood, so sweet, he comes home every time. "But I can't leash him! It's cruel!" and "He tears up the house when I try to confine him! He's meant to roam free!"
My dogs have been attacked twice by other dogs in the past three months. Both times, the owners were standing right there. Our dogs were leashed. Theirs were not. DOGS ARE ANIMALS. THEY ARE WONDERFUL, BUT THEY ARE ANIMALS. THEY WILL REACT INSTINCTIVELY, WHETHER AGAINST ANOTHER DOG OR A CHILD. Leashing your beloved pets not only protects others, but protects them, too. I know what it's like to have a dog put down because of his "instinct" to lunge or bite or protect (or whatever was going through his head that day). I can tell you it is one of the worst things I have ever experienced.
Love your dogs. Leash your dogs.
February 25, 2009
This was my FAVORITE book when I was young. I must've read it a hundred times, and I still have my original copy. It's about a girl and her dog, and their love for one another. I flipped through it recently, and it's not written in simple "kid's language". Adult dog lovers will be sure to love it, too!!
November 15, 2012
I ADORED this book as a kid. Helen's determination, not to mention the caring support she gets from the adults in her life, made this a book I read and reread until the book was in tatters. I would love to find a copy for my daughter when she's old enough.
September 18, 2016
The Trouble with Tuck was a brilliant story that really grabs your heart. I very much enjoyed this story.
March 22, 2020
My daughter rates this sweet book 5 stars. This is my wife's copy that she read as a little girl. It's a classic!
June 4, 2020
Even young me would have been cynical. The author's note says this is based on a true story, but I'm sure that training and setbacks were glossed over in this children's book as compared to real-life. Still, for a child reader, there are some fairly intense bits.
Now, if they'd not allowed Tuck to roam freely in the first place, which is the right thing to do, the whole problem would have been solved. And nowadays they could get an electric fence. But imo it's not the girl, nor Tuck, who is the hero; it's Lady Daisy. If she can manage to keep Tuck from getting killed, that's an HEA that I can support.
I also wish that the family had more seriously considered donating Tuck to medical research, on behalf of the eyesight of future dogs. I also wish that mutts were more popular than purebred (inbred) dogs.
Still, it's an engaging & quick read, and could give some children somethings to think about.
Now, if they'd not allowed Tuck to roam freely in the first place, which is the right thing to do, the whole problem would have been solved. And nowadays they could get an electric fence. But imo it's not the girl, nor Tuck, who is the hero; it's Lady Daisy. If she can manage to keep Tuck from getting killed, that's an HEA that I can support.
I also wish that the family had more seriously considered donating Tuck to medical research, on behalf of the eyesight of future dogs. I also wish that mutts were more popular than purebred (inbred) dogs.
Still, it's an engaging & quick read, and could give some children somethings to think about.
January 29, 2025
To say this book has aged poorly is an understatement of epic proportions. It was published in 1981 (set in the mid-50s) and I read it at some point probably around the mid to late 80s. I recently found my copy on a shelf at my parents' house and thought I'd read it again. But when I read it today, I was angry at almost every character in the book.
The crux of the story is that Helen's 3-year old dog is going blind. Because he's saved her life twice, she's determined to save his. Aww, heartwarming! Except not.
So spoilers are ahead.
The things wrong with this book. Where to start?
1. The male author makes sure to mention how "shapely" the young girl's mother is. Why is this relevant? Because Helen, age 11, feels ugly.
2. But don't worry - at the end of the book, because she has persevered in training her dog (Tuck), she gives us the final line. "I've never felt so good. So confident. So beautiful." Well then!
3. Tuck saves Helen from an attempted abduction and rape. Seems appropriate for the audience!
4. They take him to the vet for help. At first, I was on-board because the vet didn't give them false hope. He told them there was no hope, no surgery, nothing that could be done. Then:
a) He doesn't give them any guidance about what they can do.
b) When they return to his office for guidance, he offers to "put the dog away" immediately.
c) His alternative suggestion is to turn the dog over to a research lab, so maybe he can help other dogs in the future.
d) When the family insists that's not cool, he tells them to consider what's best for the dog, that it's unfair to him to be on a rope.
e) He further shares that the worst bite he ever got was from a friendly but blind (and scared) dog (this is ok, but not so much how he says it).
f) When they express (natural) concern for the dog being tied up, he says they can expect him to get hit by a car, shows them a cat with a head wound, and says, "This is what it looks like when an animal is hit by a car."
g) The dog IS soon hit by a car and the family is terrified, but when the child asks if the dog will live, the doctor "laughed heartily" before assuring her he would be ok this time.
5. Several times, hitting the dog is mentioned as an acceptable option (though a last resort) when he's resisting his training or otherwise acting out.
6. They also leave the dog chained outside all day once he is hit by the car. The girl makes sure he has water, acknowledging the terrible southern CA heat.
6. There's very little consequence to the girl lying repeatedly, including to a school for the (human) blind where she tries to get her dog an assistance dog or when she runs away because she was eavesdropping.
That's more than enough reasons to dislike this book.
The crux of the story is that Helen's 3-year old dog is going blind. Because he's saved her life twice, she's determined to save his. Aww, heartwarming! Except not.
So spoilers are ahead.
The things wrong with this book. Where to start?
1. The male author makes sure to mention how "shapely" the young girl's mother is. Why is this relevant? Because Helen, age 11, feels ugly.
2. But don't worry - at the end of the book, because she has persevered in training her dog (Tuck), she gives us the final line. "I've never felt so good. So confident. So beautiful." Well then!
3. Tuck saves Helen from an attempted abduction and rape. Seems appropriate for the audience!
4. They take him to the vet for help. At first, I was on-board because the vet didn't give them false hope. He told them there was no hope, no surgery, nothing that could be done. Then:
a) He doesn't give them any guidance about what they can do.
b) When they return to his office for guidance, he offers to "put the dog away" immediately.
c) His alternative suggestion is to turn the dog over to a research lab, so maybe he can help other dogs in the future.
d) When the family insists that's not cool, he tells them to consider what's best for the dog, that it's unfair to him to be on a rope.
e) He further shares that the worst bite he ever got was from a friendly but blind (and scared) dog (this is ok, but not so much how he says it).
f) When they express (natural) concern for the dog being tied up, he says they can expect him to get hit by a car, shows them a cat with a head wound, and says, "This is what it looks like when an animal is hit by a car."
g) The dog IS soon hit by a car and the family is terrified, but when the child asks if the dog will live, the doctor "laughed heartily" before assuring her he would be ok this time.
5. Several times, hitting the dog is mentioned as an acceptable option (though a last resort) when he's resisting his training or otherwise acting out.
6. They also leave the dog chained outside all day once he is hit by the car. The girl makes sure he has water, acknowledging the terrible southern CA heat.
6. There's very little consequence to the girl lying repeatedly, including to a school for the (human) blind where she tries to get her dog an assistance dog or when she runs away because she was eavesdropping.
That's more than enough reasons to dislike this book.
July 2, 2020
i love this book!!!!! ❤ i wish that i was Helen!!! i realy want to have two dogs!!!! this book is the best!!!!!!! i especially love the ending!!! ❤
June 17, 2016
Loved it, obviously, 5 stars. And hey, I'm well enough to read again. And I have time to read at the moment. And...this is my 19th Battle of the Books book for the 2015-2016 school year. One to go--and that's the shortest, because I started to read them longest to shortest just in case things ended up like this--I wanted the books to go faster and faster as I went along. Do you have any quirky little reading habits like that?
Anyway, I loved this book because it's based on a true story. It's refreshingly real and honest. The character has a loving family and good home, but she's honest with herself about her skinny bird legs, freckles, braces, and glasses. Everyone goes through that sort of thing to some extent, but it's not like she started doing drugs or cutting herself. She's a real, human, normal thirteen year old girl.
I love that this girl developed stamina. She kept trying different problem-solving strategies. She put a lot of effort into this dog. Nothing was easy. And yet, she triumphed. Even her parents and the vet thought she had fought hard enough, but she kept her focus on her goal--what she thought was best for her dog. I think kids today are somewhat afraid of hard work (or they've never been taught). They give up too easily. It has a lot of real-life applications, in my humble opinion. And it's only 107 pages. I would suggest it to any fifth grader of mine.
Anyway, I loved this book because it's based on a true story. It's refreshingly real and honest. The character has a loving family and good home, but she's honest with herself about her skinny bird legs, freckles, braces, and glasses. Everyone goes through that sort of thing to some extent, but it's not like she started doing drugs or cutting herself. She's a real, human, normal thirteen year old girl.
I love that this girl developed stamina. She kept trying different problem-solving strategies. She put a lot of effort into this dog. Nothing was easy. And yet, she triumphed. Even her parents and the vet thought she had fought hard enough, but she kept her focus on her goal--what she thought was best for her dog. I think kids today are somewhat afraid of hard work (or they've never been taught). They give up too easily. It has a lot of real-life applications, in my humble opinion. And it's only 107 pages. I would suggest it to any fifth grader of mine.
June 27, 2020
This was my favorite book as a child. I read it at least a half dozen times. As a result, I wanted to become a Guide Dog trainer. My grandparents took me to visit Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. Strangely, my cousin actually did become a trainer. After reading this book, I begged my parents for a dog and I raised a golden retriever from a puppy and did all the training. I was quite inspired by Helen and her determination.
I read this book again recently as an adult to my 8 year old son. My perspective is a bit different as an adult. While I still love the book, I had not remembered the scene of attempted sexual assault.
I had not remembered all of the descriptions of people’s physical appearances (I really dislike that “classic” authors seem to rely on physical traits as character development). As a grown woman, I found the male author’s take on the voice of a young girl less realistic. But I still enjoyed this book and would read it again.
I read this book again recently as an adult to my 8 year old son. My perspective is a bit different as an adult. While I still love the book, I had not remembered the scene of attempted sexual assault.
I had not remembered all of the descriptions of people’s physical appearances (I really dislike that “classic” authors seem to rely on physical traits as character development). As a grown woman, I found the male author’s take on the voice of a young girl less realistic. But I still enjoyed this book and would read it again.
May 16, 2013
SEEING-EYE GIRL SEEING WITH HER HEART!
In this touching story 13-year-old Helen dedicates months of frustation and hope to resolve a canine crisis: her beloved 3-year-old lab, Friar Tuck, is going blind. As the various "solutions" proposed by caring and intelligent adults all prove unacceptable to this desperate young lady, she quietly decides to defy the System. Her goal: to keep her loyal companion alive, at home and free-roaming.
Based on an actual incident in California this story reaches across generations and lovers of pets species, to remind us of the meaning of loyalty, devotion and creative conflict resolution--even tough love. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate Helen's pain, or applaud her defiance of grim reality. "It's never been done before," is no excuse! When the principals involved truly have Heart, there Is a way after all. For kids 10-15 and pet lovers of all ages.
(March 17, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
In this touching story 13-year-old Helen dedicates months of frustation and hope to resolve a canine crisis: her beloved 3-year-old lab, Friar Tuck, is going blind. As the various "solutions" proposed by caring and intelligent adults all prove unacceptable to this desperate young lady, she quietly decides to defy the System. Her goal: to keep her loyal companion alive, at home and free-roaming.
Based on an actual incident in California this story reaches across generations and lovers of pets species, to remind us of the meaning of loyalty, devotion and creative conflict resolution--even tough love. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate Helen's pain, or applaud her defiance of grim reality. "It's never been done before," is no excuse! When the principals involved truly have Heart, there Is a way after all. For kids 10-15 and pet lovers of all ages.
(March 17, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
August 17, 2015
Helen adored her beautiful golden Labrador from the first moment he was placed in her arms, a squirming fat sausage of creamy yellow fur. As her best friend, Friar Tuck waited daily for Helen to come home from school and play. He guarded her through the long, scary hours of the dark night. Twice he even saved her life.
Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail.
Now it's Helen's turn. No one can say exactly when Tuck began to go blind. Probably the light began to fail for him long before the alarming day when he raced after some cats and crashed through the screen door, apparently never seeing it. But from that day on, Tuck's trouble--and how to cope with it--becomes the focus of Helen's life. Together they fight the chain that holds him and threatens to break his spirit, until Helen comes up with a solution so new, so daring, there's no way it can fail.
December 5, 2013
This is a touching story of a girl whose beloved Labrador, Tuck, looses his sight. Helen refuses to give up and impose a life tethered by a chain on her dog. She finds a school for seeing eye dogs, and makes an appointment for her parents. They indulge her and take her to meet a lady at the school. This woman is so touched by Tuck and his family she eventually gives a dog to them to try as a guide for Tuck. After endless practice, creativity, and patience, Helen achieves her goal, and Tuck can roam with his new pal and eyes, Daisy, forever chain-free.
This story warms the heart and instills hope. Animal and especially dog lovers will appreciate the book. Its largest audience will be late elementary and middle school students.
This story warms the heart and instills hope. Animal and especially dog lovers will appreciate the book. Its largest audience will be late elementary and middle school students.
October 31, 2019
This was the book that made me fall in love with reading the summer after 4th grade. I shared it with my daughter, and you can read her very own review below. It is so gratifying to see her devour books, but more so when I can share one that I love with her. :)
I have the book five stars because it was a book with a happy ending. I love happy endings.
I loved it because it had a happy ending, although I was scared that Lady Daisy would have to go, because if Helen's idea didn't work, she would have to go.
I recommend this book to any dog lovers, I, myself am a dog lover and I loved this book.
I have the book five stars because it was a book with a happy ending. I love happy endings.
I loved it because it had a happy ending, although I was scared that Lady Daisy would have to go, because if Helen's idea didn't work, she would have to go.
I recommend this book to any dog lovers, I, myself am a dog lover and I loved this book.
March 26, 2014
Trouble with Tuck is a good book. It is a book about a dog that is turning blind. They talk about getting Tuck put down. But the girl does not want to and gets very sad. In a couple of weeks she does not ask her parents and calls a place with helping dogs. When they got there they could not get a helping dog. Awhile later, the person they asked, told them to come back and they got a dog.
By;
Aryn
By;
Aryn
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July 4, 2011This is an older book and the cover is really out-dated, but it was great!! I'm not sure if I could even find a copy of the book- I read it as an e-book from the library. It's worth finding it, especially if you are an animal lover! Tuck, the adorable dog on the cover, ends up going blind. This is the story of how the dog's family (his owners) deal with it.
February 21, 2017
A very good story about a blind dog that gets a guide dog of his own. This was actually the first book I ever read about either a blind dog or a guide dog so at the time I read this book, it was especially interesting for me. This book focuses on the challenge of a blind dog as well as how the dog adapts to having a guide dog. This book is perfect for dog lovers of all ages.
May 31, 2013
An emotional journey of a pet and it's owner. Makes you cry. Makes you happy. It gives you the amazing feel of the bondage between the owner and the dog. You are to read it if you are a pet lover and you have to read it if you are not, because I promise you will become a pet liver after reading the book.
July 17, 2015
The passion of this thirteen-year old girl to overcome any obstacle to help her dog who is going blind, builds confidence that her appearance and lack of abilities did not.
Her struggles in problem-solving and training her dog, to protect him from himself, show the inner turmoil and external support of her family.
A heart-warming story that will encourage and inspire.
Her struggles in problem-solving and training her dog, to protect him from himself, show the inner turmoil and external support of her family.
A heart-warming story that will encourage and inspire.
April 22, 2008
My favorite book since I was eight. This is the true story about an awkward girl and her big yellow dog. Helen fights to save Tuck from a life on a chain after he goes blind, and finds a remarkable way to save him---a seeing eye dog.
July 6, 2008
This book was hard to get in to, but once I started it, I really enjoyed it. What I like best about this book is that one girl halps her dog to "see" by giving him a seeing eye dog. It's a very sad book, although it has its funny moments.
September 9, 2012
Best things in my childhood were reading, riding my bike, eating fishballs, Barbie dolls, and having a dog. I got to read this book as a child, and to this day, I would still remember it. It's very, very touching. It has the elements that make a great story and gives a valuable lesson too.
July 10, 2013
The very first book that piqued my interest in Guide Dogs, a career field I now plan on going into. This book is, yes, suited for upper elementary school, but still a good read for any age. I loved it and I'm sure once I read it again I will love it more.
May 7, 2014
I read this book as a child multiple times and considered it one of my favorites. I love the beautiful depiction of love and loyalty between an owner (little girl, which I identified with at the time) and her dog. Very beautiful, moving story.
June 30, 2014
Story of a girl who teaches her beloved dog, who has recently become blind, how to walk alongside a seeing eye dog. Set in the 1950's, very dated language, big focus on the awkward tween girl gaining confidence/believing she is beautiful after training her dog.
July 7, 2016
This was my favorite book as a child; I read it every summer, as well as the sequel when I discovered it. The love between Helen and her pup is something I have always wanted and needed. This book will always have a special place in my heart.
February 15, 2016
I remembered this book from elementary school (early 1980s) and spent a good deal of time tracking it down. So glad I did -- a great juvenile fiction read full of determination of the human (and canine!) spirit.
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