Useless Dog

by Billy C. Clark, James M. Gifford (Editor), Chuck D. Charles (Editor)

Thirteen-year-old Caleb trades a small pig for an old, ugly, crippled dog that nobody wants and he and the dog soon become inseparable friends

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Billy C. Clark was an American author of 11 books and many poems and short stories, heavily influenced by his childhood growing up in poverty in Kentucky.

Reviews

[Vicki]

This sweet-natured story of a boy and his dog is distinguished by its authentic-sounding voice of the farming and hunting communities of the Kentucky mountains. Published in the early 1960s, it captures a time, place and people, but avoids being a dated read. The bond between young teenage Caleb and Outcast, the part-Airedale hound who everyone else initially rejects but who proves himself to be a wily and reliable hunting dog, is genuinely and sensitively traced without becoming maudlin. It's an affecting and timeless tale.