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Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen
A heavily illustrated middle-grade novel based on real events about a canine movie star of the 1920s.
When movie director Larry Trimble travels to Berlin searching for his next big star--a dog!--he finds Etzel, a fierce, highly trained three-year-old German shepherd police dog. Larry sees past the snarls and growls and brings Etzel back to Hollywood, where he is renamed Strongheart. Along with screenwriter Jane Murfin, Larry grooms his protege to be a star of the silver screen--and he succeeds, starting with Strongheart's first film, The Love Master, which is released in 1921. Strongheart is soon joined by a leading lady, a German shepherd named Lady Julie, and becomes a sensation.
But when Strongheart is accused of attacking a girl, he must prove his innocence--and it will take his best acting skills to do so.
When movie director Larry Trimble travels to Berlin searching for his next big star--a dog!--he finds Etzel, a fierce, highly trained three-year-old German shepherd police dog. Larry sees past the snarls and growls and brings Etzel back to Hollywood, where he is renamed Strongheart. Along with screenwriter Jane Murfin, Larry grooms his protege to be a star of the silver screen--and he succeeds, starting with Strongheart's first film, The Love Master, which is released in 1921. Strongheart is soon joined by a leading lady, a German shepherd named Lady Julie, and becomes a sensation.
But when Strongheart is accused of attacking a girl, he must prove his innocence--and it will take his best acting skills to do so.
256 pages, Library Binding
First published February 6, 2018
52 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Candace Fleming
66 books631 followersI have always been a storyteller. Even before I could write my name, I could tell a good tale. And I told them all the time. As a preschooler, I told my neighbors all about my three-legged cat named Spot. In kindergarten, I told my classmates about the ghost that lived in my attic. And in first grade I told my teacher, Miss Harbart, all about my family's trip to Paris, France.
I told such a good story that people always thought I was telling the truth. But I wasn't. I didn't have a three-legged cat or a ghost in my attic, and I'd certainly never been to Paris, France. I simply enjoyed telling a good story... and seeing my listener's reaction.
Sure, some people might have said I was a seven-year old fibber. But not my parents. Instead of calling my stories "fibs" they called them "imaginative." They encouraged me to put my stories down on paper. I did. And amazingly, once I began writing, I couldn't stop. I filled notebook after notebook with stories, poems, plays. I still have many of those notebooks. They're precious to me because they are a record of my writing life from elementary school on.
In second grade, I discovered a passion for language. I can still remember the day my teacher, Miss Johnson, held up a horn-shaped basket filled with papier-mache pumpkins and asked the class to repeat the word "cornucopia." I said it again and again, tasted the word on my lips. I tested it on my ears. That afternoon, I skipped all the way home from school chanting, "Cornucopia! Cornucopia!" From then on, I really began listening to words—to the sounds they made, and the way they were used, and how they made me feel. I longed to put them together in ways that were beautiful, and yet told a story.
As I grew, I continued to write stories. But I never really thought of becoming an author. Instead, I went to college where I discovered yet another passion—history. I didn't realize it then, but studying history is really just an extension of my love of stories. After all, some of the best stories are true ones — tales of heroism and villainy made more incredible by the fact they really happened.
After graduation, I got married and had children. I read to them a lot, and that's when I discovered the joy and music of children's books. I simply couldn't get enough of them. With my two sons in tow, I made endless trips to the library. I read stacks of books. I found myself begging, "Just one more, pleeeeease!" while my boys begged for lights-out and sleep. Then it struck me. Why not write children's books? It seemed the perfect way to combine all the things I loved: stories, musical language, history, and reading. I couldn't wait to get started.
But writing children's books is harder than it looks. For three years I wrote story after story. I sent them to publisher after publisher. And I received rejection letter after rejection letter. Still, I didn't give up. I kept trying until finally one of my stories was pulled from the slush pile and turned into a book. My career as a children's author had begun.
I told such a good story that people always thought I was telling the truth. But I wasn't. I didn't have a three-legged cat or a ghost in my attic, and I'd certainly never been to Paris, France. I simply enjoyed telling a good story... and seeing my listener's reaction.
Sure, some people might have said I was a seven-year old fibber. But not my parents. Instead of calling my stories "fibs" they called them "imaginative." They encouraged me to put my stories down on paper. I did. And amazingly, once I began writing, I couldn't stop. I filled notebook after notebook with stories, poems, plays. I still have many of those notebooks. They're precious to me because they are a record of my writing life from elementary school on.
In second grade, I discovered a passion for language. I can still remember the day my teacher, Miss Johnson, held up a horn-shaped basket filled with papier-mache pumpkins and asked the class to repeat the word "cornucopia." I said it again and again, tasted the word on my lips. I tested it on my ears. That afternoon, I skipped all the way home from school chanting, "Cornucopia! Cornucopia!" From then on, I really began listening to words—to the sounds they made, and the way they were used, and how they made me feel. I longed to put them together in ways that were beautiful, and yet told a story.
As I grew, I continued to write stories. But I never really thought of becoming an author. Instead, I went to college where I discovered yet another passion—history. I didn't realize it then, but studying history is really just an extension of my love of stories. After all, some of the best stories are true ones — tales of heroism and villainy made more incredible by the fact they really happened.
After graduation, I got married and had children. I read to them a lot, and that's when I discovered the joy and music of children's books. I simply couldn't get enough of them. With my two sons in tow, I made endless trips to the library. I read stacks of books. I found myself begging, "Just one more, pleeeeease!" while my boys begged for lights-out and sleep. Then it struck me. Why not write children's books? It seemed the perfect way to combine all the things I loved: stories, musical language, history, and reading. I couldn't wait to get started.
But writing children's books is harder than it looks. For three years I wrote story after story. I sent them to publisher after publisher. And I received rejection letter after rejection letter. Still, I didn't give up. I kept trying until finally one of my stories was pulled from the slush pile and turned into a book. My career as a children's author had begun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
July 13, 2019
I saw this cover at the library and what did you think I was going to do? Walk away? Come on!
It's based on a real dog, Strongheart, that was a silent film star in the 1920's. I've never heard of him. But, I'm so glad I picked this up. There are photos in the back of the real Strongheart and his owners (the director of his films and the screenwriter). He is a beautiful dog. Majestic.
It seems that only one of his movies is still available to view. I haven't watched it yet, but that's in my plans before school starts.
A quick and enjoyable read.
It's based on a real dog, Strongheart, that was a silent film star in the 1920's. I've never heard of him. But, I'm so glad I picked this up. There are photos in the back of the real Strongheart and his owners (the director of his films and the screenwriter). He is a beautiful dog. Majestic.
It seems that only one of his movies is still available to view. I haven't watched it yet, but that's in my plans before school starts.
A quick and enjoyable read.
March 31, 2018
I prefer Fleming's nonfiction to her fiction, and kind of wish that this was the former. Making Strongheart into a psychic English-language understander stretched the boundaries of acceptance for me. Although my kids will love it.
Also, I was confused by Jane and Larry's relationship ... I had been under the impression from Emily Arnold McCully's book that they were a couple, but they were just working partners in this one. Although Jane seemed to be in love with Larry. I just looked it up, and the Internet tells me that they may or may not have been together romantically, but did seem to have shared a house at one point. So I guess I can forgive that confusion. And, after all, it's fiction ...
Also, I was confused by Jane and Larry's relationship ... I had been under the impression from Emily Arnold McCully's book that they were a couple, but they were just working partners in this one. Although Jane seemed to be in love with Larry. I just looked it up, and the Internet tells me that they may or may not have been together romantically, but did seem to have shared a house at one point. So I guess I can forgive that confusion. And, after all, it's fiction ...
November 2, 2021
Pretty good story for Children. A little smaltzy as the story in the book builds on the true history, but a good book overall. A few pages of history in the end, so would make a good lesson to read the book with Children and then talk about true facts. That kind of a discussion between a story that is given and the truth is something we need more of.
Illustrations are very nice. Pictures of the actual dog in the end of the book. The story of Strongheart is a good one to talk about films history. After a book on Strongheart it would be good to read Susan Orlean's book on Rin Tin Tin. There was some references to Strongheart in that book, so good to fill in the glimpses of Strongheart in RTT with more details of the dog.
Illustrations are very nice. Pictures of the actual dog in the end of the book. The story of Strongheart is a good one to talk about films history. After a book on Strongheart it would be good to read Susan Orlean's book on Rin Tin Tin. There was some references to Strongheart in that book, so good to fill in the glimpses of Strongheart in RTT with more details of the dog.
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January 2, 2019I picked this book up because of the gorgeous cover of a German Shepherd dog; the illustrations within the book are stunning. I have quite a few students who love dog stories this year. This is a gem in that it is also historical fiction. We have all heard of Lassie, but this story is about the silent film dog star Strongheart. Fascinating story about how this fierce police trained dog stole the hearts of viewers in America. The book also got me doing a little research into silent movies of the 1920’s and when film transitioned into speaking roles. This is a very quick read. Great for reluctant, dormant readers.
April 27, 2020
I am a fan of historical fiction, dog stories, and stories based on true events so STRONGHEART did not disappoint. Kids who loved HUGO CABRET and WONDERSTRUCK by Brian Selznick will enjoy STRONGHEART for the illustrated aspect of the story. I would have enjoyed learning where Flemings took liberties in the story and so wanted to believe that Strongheart did, in fact, do all of the things in Flemings' story. She did such an amazing job describing the events that unfolded that I felt like a kid again reading my childhood favorites like LASSIE and THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY. I liked believing that dogs were as clever as the storytellers made them out to be through story. So reading STRONGHEART brought me kid-like joy.
February 10, 2018
This copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.
Let’s be real from the start. I am by all definitions a dog person. I love dogs and have lived with them my entire life. So when it comes to dog stories, I am picky. I want all the emotions to fly when I read one. I want to feel their love, angst and utter joy through the words in the story. Strongheart is wonderful. I had never heard of this star of the silver screen until today. Between the words and amazing illustrations, I was enchanted by this story of a German Shepherd who became a film star.
Kids will love this book too. I can’t wait to share with them!
Let’s be real from the start. I am by all definitions a dog person. I love dogs and have lived with them my entire life. So when it comes to dog stories, I am picky. I want all the emotions to fly when I read one. I want to feel their love, angst and utter joy through the words in the story. Strongheart is wonderful. I had never heard of this star of the silver screen until today. Between the words and amazing illustrations, I was enchanted by this story of a German Shepherd who became a film star.
Kids will love this book too. I can’t wait to share with them!
March 4, 2018
Caldecott-winning medalist Rohmann’s beautiful illustrations accompany Fleming’s riveting text about Strongheart, the first dog to have a starring role on the silver screen. This rich historical fiction account is mesmerizing and I am still astonished that I knew nothing about this amazing dog. I breathed dogs morning, noon & night as a child, yet always thought Rin-Tin-Tin began it all in Hollywood. Fleming is well-known for her brilliant research and readers will dive into this only to emerge wanting to know more about this incredible dog and time period. Highly recommended, especially for animal lovers.
July 13, 2020
This is a wonderful book about a police dog from Berlin who became a star on the big screen during the 1920s. Strongheart, named Etzel at first, is a gentle dog with a warm heart. He is trained to be a brutal, attack dog and also has the intelligence and empathy to become a film star and steal the hearts of moviegoers when he is adopted by a Hollywood director. This historical-fiction novel is based on a real dog named Strongheart. We learn about Strongheart’s life experiences and struggles that included loss, fame and family. There is a section at the end of the book that informs readers about the life of the real Strongheart with pictures and information on how to see Strongheart on a newsreel or youtube. This title is on the list of 2021 Illinois Bluestem Readers’ Choice Award Nominees and is available as an e-book on Overdrive.
Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
January 31, 2019
I enjoyed this story--based on fact (look him up; I always want to find out what really happened). I've read about him before--in Kinship with All Life, as I recall, and elsewhere. It's considered juvenile fiction, but I enjoyed it; and I love the illustrations--lots of them--with two pages of actual photos from his life at the end. It has adventure and suspense and a rough beginning.
Note: Back in the day GSDs had level backs--before they bred them into triangles. I used to have German Shepherds, but now I feel sad looking at those sloping backs and weak hindquarters.
And for working dogs, they import them from Germany or use Belgian Malinois...
Note: Back in the day GSDs had level backs--before they bred them into triangles. I used to have German Shepherds, but now I feel sad looking at those sloping backs and weak hindquarters.
And for working dogs, they import them from Germany or use Belgian Malinois...
April 1, 2020
i wanted to love this book, even though i'm terrified of german shepherds i wanted to love it. halfway through i would have been happy to like it. The first thirty pages are an excellent description how w/enough beating, anger and cruelty you can teach a gentle dog to be a police dog. that is well written. The next few chapters are of Strongheart relearning how to be a dog and starring in his first picture. then a bitch is introduced and after some missteps (hollywood comedy i guess) there is romance. yaaaawwwwn.
Rohmann's art is perfect.
Rohmann's art is perfect.
February 20, 2018
Striking oil paint illustrations complement a heartfelt story about Strongheart, a German shepherd trained as an attack guard dog by Germans. The young dog, called Etzel, started life as an adorable puppy, but his playfulness was quickly extinguished by cruel treatment from his trainer. When director Larry Trimble went in search of a dog to star in one of his silent films, he was drawn to Etzel. The dog was wary at first, and didn't even know how to play with toys, but eventually he came to trust the man. Screenwriter Jane Murfin supplied the lines for the screenplays, and Larry got Strongheart to perform for the camera, and a star was born. He became a sensation across the nation, and had many fans. Candace Fleming captures the simpler time--the 1920s--when American audiences were more easily enchanted and disarmed by a dog playing a movie part. The text and images tug at readers' heartstrings, especially during those points in which Larry and the dog are starting to connect, and when Strongheart's love for Larry keeps him vigilant against criminals. I was so enthralled by this story and this amazing canine actor that I had to check out some of the online news reels of Strongheart and Lady Jule, his companion, as well as the only existing footage of his acting in "The Return of Boston Blackie." What a handsome, intelligent, and talented dog he must have been. Tender hearts will be touched when Strongheart barely escapes a terrible fate as he is accused of killing a little girl, an accusation which was an attempt at gaining financial reward, and one stymied by some orphans he'd met earlier in the story. Animal lovers will devour this book in one sitting, and then want to read it all over again, savoring the words and paintings that were surely created by two dog-lovers themselves.
March 9, 2020
I'm not going to lie to you... This book may make you cry. I picked it up and almost put it right back down less than 10 pages in. That said, push through the pain because this book is delightful. It goes to show that even the most fierce beast can be made that way by the world, and sometimes all it takes is a little TLC and lots of patience to see the real beauty and love behind a past filled with torment and confusion.
November 11, 2018
A darling book that could find a home in every school library with its accessibility as an illustrated novel and its great appeal as a dog story. And no talking dogs!! Because don't talk!
Admittedly, German Shepherds scare me but they have a special place in my heart because my Grandpa had them and I swear there are no less than four in my smallish neighborhood subdivision.
Admittedly, German Shepherds scare me but they have a special place in my heart because my Grandpa had them and I swear there are no less than four in my smallish neighborhood subdivision.
March 10, 2018
Accessible text, beautiful & moving illustrations scattered throughout, well developed characters (both human & canine), adventure, peril, charming voices of other historical characters (the orphan boys, the Hollywood reporter)- a winner! I love this dog!
May 13, 2018
Action, suspense, romance, a movie star and a dog, a winning combination. Based on the true life of a
real German Shepherd, our hero set the stage for a whole new genre of Hollywood movies. Soft, black and white illustrations perfectly convey the dog's emotions. A real crowd pleaser.
real German Shepherd, our hero set the stage for a whole new genre of Hollywood movies. Soft, black and white illustrations perfectly convey the dog's emotions. A real crowd pleaser.
July 29, 2023
CWs: animal abuse
The illustrations in the book were super cute, but DANG I was not expecting all the sad stuff! I didn't love the dog-is-kinda-human-like-but-not-really-and-can-sorta-understand-you-when-you-talk approach to the story. But alas, it is a children's novel.
The illustrations in the book were super cute, but DANG I was not expecting all the sad stuff! I didn't love the dog-is-kinda-human-like-but-not-really-and-can-sorta-understand-you-when-you-talk approach to the story. But alas, it is a children's novel.
April 18, 2018
The first canine film star was plucked from the police force in Berlin. The movies were silent, but Strongheart was a dog of nobility and passion. Who needed sound? Rohmann's illustrations really invoke the drama, both onscreen and off.
September 24, 2019
Very sweet (and dramatic!) somewhat fictionalized account of Strongheart’s rise to fame in the 1920s. It’s a great book for lower leveled middle grade readers, as the text never overwhelms and there are lots of gorgeous illustrations.
June 10, 2018
Kids love books about dogs. This one is sure to be a winner with middle graders-especially third through fifth grades. Gorgeous illustrations, meticulously researched, fast moving storyline, with characters you can’t help but love. I loved the language used in the text-indicative of the 20’s. Strongheart will give readers a peek into times long gone, as well as a penchant to look up more information about this loveable pooch. Win-win!
August 6, 2018
There are five little words on a book cover that instantly capture my interest. 'Based on a true story'. The book gets bonus points if it is historical fiction set between the turn of the twentieth century and the 1970s. More bonus points if it's about a horse or a dog. It's over-the-top if it is based on historical events which occurred in my home state of California. You can see where I'm going with this . . . 'Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen' is set in Hollywood of the early 1920s and stars an extraordinary male German shepherd who wowed movie audiences of the time.
Before finding this book on the 'New Book Shelf' in the Children's section of the local public library I had never heard of this amazing creature. After reading this entertaining and well-formatted book, I know a lot about this dog's journey from being a highly-trained police dog named Etzel in Berlin, Germany, to being a superstar in Hollywood renamed Strongheart.
I'd like to mention at the outset that there are several scenes near the beginning of the story where Etzel is physically abused by the police officers who are trying to train him. Readers are led to believe through dialogue that it is Etzel's fault he is mistreated because they just want to toughen him up for police work.
While this abuse bothered me greatly, I feel it is a teachable moment for middle-graders to learn how ignorance prevailed {and prevails} many times when people are trying to train an animal to do what the human wants the animal to do! This is an opportunity to open a discussion on the proper treatment of animals in our society.
The story takes place in Hollywood during the era of silent movies. Black and white film, no sound, placards with text on them to share information with the audience, and live music played in the theater. The illustrations by Caldecott Medalist, Eric Rohmann, contribute greatly to the ambience and mood of the book.
The illustrations are all in black and white -- replicating the silent movies. Many of Mr. Rohmann's drawings are in panels which simulate the viewing of the silent movie on a big screen. I felt the illustrator prsevented clever and entertaining artwork for readers of all ages.
Many emotions are stirred up in this novel. Sadness when a young Etzel is taken from a nurturing home shared with his mother and two litter mates. Anger at Etzel's physical abuse at the police station. Apprehension when Etzel is purchased from the German Police by Hollywood movie mogul, Larry Trimble, for the purpose of being a silent movie star. Amazement at Strongheart's natural intelligence and ability to emote or 'act' with direction in six feature films in the 1920s. Happiness when Strongheart is successful at the box office.
There are also some personal triumphs and tragedies for this canine. Joy when he meets and 'marries' his leading lady, Lady Jule. Outrage when Strongheart is wrongly accused of eating a little girl in a railroad tunnel. Happiness when Lady Jule has puppies and Strongheart finally has a family of his own again.
The back matter for this book is excellent. The author includes a several page background to the story in her 'The Truth Behind This Tale' section. There she includes the titles of Strongheart's six movies along with a link to the only movie of this star's which can be viewed today, 'The Return of Boston Blackie', produced in 1927. {The link is included for your pleasure below in my 'Fun Bonus Content' section.} There is a brief photo gallery and Bibliography included, too.
Highly-recommended for fans of animal stories, historical fiction, California history, or film history. I believe this would be a powerful read-aloud for families and classes to share together. A perfect culminating activity would be to watch 'The Return of Boston Blackie' together and later compare Strongheart's on-screen personality with what the author has portrayed in the book. Oh--and don't forget the popcorn!
***FUN BONUS CONTENT:
-- The author included the following link in the back matter for this book. Apparently, only Strongheart's final movie, The Return of Boston Blackie, can be seen today. Click on the following link to watch the movie on youtube.com.
LINK TO 'THE RETURN OF BOSTON BLACKIE' MOVIE ON YOUTUBE.COM
----------------------------------
I borrowed this book from the 'New Book' shelves in the Children's section of the local public library.
##############
Before finding this book on the 'New Book Shelf' in the Children's section of the local public library I had never heard of this amazing creature. After reading this entertaining and well-formatted book, I know a lot about this dog's journey from being a highly-trained police dog named Etzel in Berlin, Germany, to being a superstar in Hollywood renamed Strongheart.
I'd like to mention at the outset that there are several scenes near the beginning of the story where Etzel is physically abused by the police officers who are trying to train him. Readers are led to believe through dialogue that it is Etzel's fault he is mistreated because they just want to toughen him up for police work.
While this abuse bothered me greatly, I feel it is a teachable moment for middle-graders to learn how ignorance prevailed {and prevails} many times when people are trying to train an animal to do what the human wants the animal to do! This is an opportunity to open a discussion on the proper treatment of animals in our society.
The story takes place in Hollywood during the era of silent movies. Black and white film, no sound, placards with text on them to share information with the audience, and live music played in the theater. The illustrations by Caldecott Medalist, Eric Rohmann, contribute greatly to the ambience and mood of the book.
The illustrations are all in black and white -- replicating the silent movies. Many of Mr. Rohmann's drawings are in panels which simulate the viewing of the silent movie on a big screen. I felt the illustrator prsevented clever and entertaining artwork for readers of all ages.
Many emotions are stirred up in this novel. Sadness when a young Etzel is taken from a nurturing home shared with his mother and two litter mates. Anger at Etzel's physical abuse at the police station. Apprehension when Etzel is purchased from the German Police by Hollywood movie mogul, Larry Trimble, for the purpose of being a silent movie star. Amazement at Strongheart's natural intelligence and ability to emote or 'act' with direction in six feature films in the 1920s. Happiness when Strongheart is successful at the box office.
There are also some personal triumphs and tragedies for this canine. Joy when he meets and 'marries' his leading lady, Lady Jule. Outrage when Strongheart is wrongly accused of eating a little girl in a railroad tunnel. Happiness when Lady Jule has puppies and Strongheart finally has a family of his own again.
The back matter for this book is excellent. The author includes a several page background to the story in her 'The Truth Behind This Tale' section. There she includes the titles of Strongheart's six movies along with a link to the only movie of this star's which can be viewed today, 'The Return of Boston Blackie', produced in 1927. {The link is included for your pleasure below in my 'Fun Bonus Content' section.} There is a brief photo gallery and Bibliography included, too.
Highly-recommended for fans of animal stories, historical fiction, California history, or film history. I believe this would be a powerful read-aloud for families and classes to share together. A perfect culminating activity would be to watch 'The Return of Boston Blackie' together and later compare Strongheart's on-screen personality with what the author has portrayed in the book. Oh--and don't forget the popcorn!
***FUN BONUS CONTENT:
-- The author included the following link in the back matter for this book. Apparently, only Strongheart's final movie, The Return of Boston Blackie, can be seen today. Click on the following link to watch the movie on youtube.com.
LINK TO 'THE RETURN OF BOSTON BLACKIE' MOVIE ON YOUTUBE.COM
----------------------------------
I borrowed this book from the 'New Book' shelves in the Children's section of the local public library.
##############
June 6, 2018
Bookaday #4. 5 stars. Tender hearted readers will bristle at the beginning chapters of this book, keep reading, things get better for the main character. Love the illustrations and “roaring 20s” dialogue from Jane, adds a real feel to the story. Back matter highlights the actual events the story is based upon. Adore the photos!!!
September 24, 2019
I found myself disappointed by the mix of fact and fiction in this book. The soft romanticized illustrations are pretty but, in my opinion, not as good a representation of the German Shepherd as Diana Thorne's.
October 21, 2023
Great "dog" story and friendship story and hero story!!
December 17, 2021
I read the book strongheart Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace Fleming and Eric rohmann.
-2-3 paragraphs: Star rating with explanation ****
I give this book a 4-star rating because there are a lot of interesting details and it was very fun to read. It had a lot of different aspects in the plot that made the book very intriguing. Throughout the book there are also a little pictures showing examples of what the dogs and people like. So it made it very fun to read through. Throughout the book it also refers to his life as a puppy and his different emotions that he went through. The character development of the main character StrongHeart was also really good, he Changed a lot and you were able to see his improvements.
I do not give the book A 5-star rating because there were Portions of the plot that we're kind of predictable and you could tell what was going to happen next. There were also portions where it seemed to be repetitive, or at least repeated the same or relatively same scene multiple times.
-1 paragraph: Favorite quote with explanation
My favorite quote can be found on page 223 in paragraph 5, the quote is ” StrongHeart is a hero.” My favorite quote because it states that one Singular dog can help others and lift their spirits. After reading through the book there are many instances where strongHeart helps the citizens that are around him, which makes the others believe in him.
-1 paragraph: plot summary (not plagiarized!)
StrongHearts original name is Etzel, he was born on a farm and raised there for a very short portion of his life. He was soon taken away to a police force where he was trained for a year to be a police dog. A character named Larry was looking for a new lead oh, but he wanted this lead to be a dog. he says to cross money states to find his lead dog until he found StrongHeart. It took a while but he broke through StrongHearts Iron wall that he put up, and seemed connected very well with him. Soon they created their first film, and it became very popular from Coast to Coast. During their first film StrongHeart caught one of the stage crew stealing from the other members. That was the first instance where he was a hero.After the first film becomes very popular StrongHeart starts receiving large amounts of fan mail, and they go visit an orphanage where boys have lived and now adore StrongHeart. One of the Boys at the orphanage tries to steal from Larry( the director/ StrongHearts owner), but StrongHeart stops this. While creating their second film, they must find a lead female dog, and StrongHeart likes her. . Not too long after the second movie's release there was an incident where a girl named Sophia Who got stuck in a cave, and StrongHeart went down to save her. but when he does not return with the girl and only returns with her bow he is thrown in jail on trial for murdering her. during his court trial the odds seem to be against his favor and letting him free again oh, but the orphaned boys discover Sophia’s location and bring her to the courtroom. Sophie was still alive because the whole thing was planned by her aunt and uncle to get strong hearts money after he is trialed with jail time. After being released from his cell he goes back to his house to find that the Leading Lady of the second movie has had puppies; he is now a father. The end
-1 paragraph: discuss the theme(s)
I think the main theme of this book is that no matter your past you can always change and help others. He was raised at a young age to be vicious and ferocious along with distant and uncaring. But after being taken away from the police station he starts changing into a dog that is Happy playful and always helps Others even though he might get hurt in the process.
-2-3 paragraphs: Star rating with explanation ****
I give this book a 4-star rating because there are a lot of interesting details and it was very fun to read. It had a lot of different aspects in the plot that made the book very intriguing. Throughout the book there are also a little pictures showing examples of what the dogs and people like. So it made it very fun to read through. Throughout the book it also refers to his life as a puppy and his different emotions that he went through. The character development of the main character StrongHeart was also really good, he Changed a lot and you were able to see his improvements.
I do not give the book A 5-star rating because there were Portions of the plot that we're kind of predictable and you could tell what was going to happen next. There were also portions where it seemed to be repetitive, or at least repeated the same or relatively same scene multiple times.
-1 paragraph: Favorite quote with explanation
My favorite quote can be found on page 223 in paragraph 5, the quote is ” StrongHeart is a hero.” My favorite quote because it states that one Singular dog can help others and lift their spirits. After reading through the book there are many instances where strongHeart helps the citizens that are around him, which makes the others believe in him.
-1 paragraph: plot summary (not plagiarized!)
StrongHearts original name is Etzel, he was born on a farm and raised there for a very short portion of his life. He was soon taken away to a police force where he was trained for a year to be a police dog. A character named Larry was looking for a new lead oh, but he wanted this lead to be a dog. he says to cross money states to find his lead dog until he found StrongHeart. It took a while but he broke through StrongHearts Iron wall that he put up, and seemed connected very well with him. Soon they created their first film, and it became very popular from Coast to Coast. During their first film StrongHeart caught one of the stage crew stealing from the other members. That was the first instance where he was a hero.After the first film becomes very popular StrongHeart starts receiving large amounts of fan mail, and they go visit an orphanage where boys have lived and now adore StrongHeart. One of the Boys at the orphanage tries to steal from Larry( the director/ StrongHearts owner), but StrongHeart stops this. While creating their second film, they must find a lead female dog, and StrongHeart likes her. . Not too long after the second movie's release there was an incident where a girl named Sophia Who got stuck in a cave, and StrongHeart went down to save her. but when he does not return with the girl and only returns with her bow he is thrown in jail on trial for murdering her. during his court trial the odds seem to be against his favor and letting him free again oh, but the orphaned boys discover Sophia’s location and bring her to the courtroom. Sophie was still alive because the whole thing was planned by her aunt and uncle to get strong hearts money after he is trialed with jail time. After being released from his cell he goes back to his house to find that the Leading Lady of the second movie has had puppies; he is now a father. The end
-1 paragraph: discuss the theme(s)
I think the main theme of this book is that no matter your past you can always change and help others. He was raised at a young age to be vicious and ferocious along with distant and uncaring. But after being taken away from the police station he starts changing into a dog that is Happy playful and always helps Others even though he might get hurt in the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2018
(Summary – book jacket)
A silent movie star … who’s a dog? That’s exactly what director Larry Trimble is in search of – and he’s willing to travel the world to find one. In Berlin, he meets the German shepherd Etzel: fierce, rough and trusting of no one. Larry sees past the police dog’s snarls and growls: he sees nobility, he sees intelligence, he sees a name in lights! With a new name, Strongheart, and a killer Hollywood script (explosions, howling, love!) it’s not long before the dog is a four-legged sensation. But when fame brings trouble and Strongheart is accused of an unthinkable crime, he’ll need to summon his best acting skills to clear his name.
My comments
I am old enough to remember dog movie (and TV) stars like Rin Tin Tin and Lassie but too young to remember Strongheart. I did not know about Strongheart and the blockbuster star power he wielded during the silent film era in Hollywood in the 1920s He was as popular as Mary Pickford and Rudolph Valentino, received as many as 5 bags of fan mail a day and even had a dog food named after him. Candace Fleming has taken this tidbit of forgotten Hollywood history and created a delightful fiction book for kids. She is an excellent author and this is what she does best – make history come alive.
This book is written at about a 3rd - 5th grade level and is a quick and easy read. To give us the full feeling of the 1920s, Fleming borrows heavily from the jargon of the day - swell, bee’s knees, big galoot, etc. Kids will get a kick out of these silly expressions.
Strongheart is a story told in both words and pictures. It is heavily illustrated, and the black and white illustrations by Eric Rohmann are outstanding. He is able to capture both the mood of the 1920s as well as the emotions of the animals and people in his sketches. There are many double page illustrations throughout the book. Some of them are even in sequence, which adds greatly to the sense that we are watching something from a 1920s silent film.
I am highly recommending this book. Kids will love it. The shortness of the book at 245 pages, the limited amount of text on each page, and the many illustrations make it look like a book for younger readers, but older readers as well as adults (like me) will enjoy it. My only negative is the harsh treatment Strongheart receives at the beginning of the book when he is taken from his mother and litter to be trained as a police dog. This might be a bit much for younger readers.
The book made me want to read more about the real Strongheart, and fortunately Fleming includes “The Truth behind this Tale” at the end of the book, as well as actual photos of Strongheart , Lady Julie, director Larry Trimble and screenwriter Jane Murfin. There is only one surviving Strongheart movie – The Return of Boston Blackie – available on Youtube, and I fully intend to watch it.
A silent movie star … who’s a dog? That’s exactly what director Larry Trimble is in search of – and he’s willing to travel the world to find one. In Berlin, he meets the German shepherd Etzel: fierce, rough and trusting of no one. Larry sees past the police dog’s snarls and growls: he sees nobility, he sees intelligence, he sees a name in lights! With a new name, Strongheart, and a killer Hollywood script (explosions, howling, love!) it’s not long before the dog is a four-legged sensation. But when fame brings trouble and Strongheart is accused of an unthinkable crime, he’ll need to summon his best acting skills to clear his name.
My comments
I am old enough to remember dog movie (and TV) stars like Rin Tin Tin and Lassie but too young to remember Strongheart. I did not know about Strongheart and the blockbuster star power he wielded during the silent film era in Hollywood in the 1920s He was as popular as Mary Pickford and Rudolph Valentino, received as many as 5 bags of fan mail a day and even had a dog food named after him. Candace Fleming has taken this tidbit of forgotten Hollywood history and created a delightful fiction book for kids. She is an excellent author and this is what she does best – make history come alive.
This book is written at about a 3rd - 5th grade level and is a quick and easy read. To give us the full feeling of the 1920s, Fleming borrows heavily from the jargon of the day - swell, bee’s knees, big galoot, etc. Kids will get a kick out of these silly expressions.
Strongheart is a story told in both words and pictures. It is heavily illustrated, and the black and white illustrations by Eric Rohmann are outstanding. He is able to capture both the mood of the 1920s as well as the emotions of the animals and people in his sketches. There are many double page illustrations throughout the book. Some of them are even in sequence, which adds greatly to the sense that we are watching something from a 1920s silent film.
I am highly recommending this book. Kids will love it. The shortness of the book at 245 pages, the limited amount of text on each page, and the many illustrations make it look like a book for younger readers, but older readers as well as adults (like me) will enjoy it. My only negative is the harsh treatment Strongheart receives at the beginning of the book when he is taken from his mother and litter to be trained as a police dog. This might be a bit much for younger readers.
The book made me want to read more about the real Strongheart, and fortunately Fleming includes “The Truth behind this Tale” at the end of the book, as well as actual photos of Strongheart , Lady Julie, director Larry Trimble and screenwriter Jane Murfin. There is only one surviving Strongheart movie – The Return of Boston Blackie – available on Youtube, and I fully intend to watch it.
November 4, 2023
Before Rin-Tin-Tin, Lassie or even Beethoven made canine stars a box-office hit, there was "Strongheart: The Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen". I recently purchased this book and got it autographed by Candace Fleming and her husband, Eric Rohmann, who provided the story's illustrations. As someone who owned a German shepherd, I did enjoy reading this historical-fiction account of Strongheart and how he came to be.
Born Etzel Von Oeringen in 1917 in Germany, this German shepherd worked as a police dog in Berlin as well as served in his native land's Red Cross during the final year of World War I. At age three in 1920, Etzel met Larry Trimble, who directed cinema's first canine star Jean the Vitagraph Dog in 25 films. (A Scotch collie, her first--now lost--film from 1910 "Jean and the Calico Doll" also featured the debut of a future Oscar-winning actress: Helen Hayes.)
After Jean's passing in 1916, Larry Trimble tried to find another dog actor in Hollywood to no avail. He had to extend his search for the right dog. When Larry came upon Etzel, something clicked in his mind. He had found his newest canine star, whom his writing partner Jane Murfin renamed "Strongheart".
But in order for things to work, Larry and Strongheart had to build a trusting relationship as well as teach the dog how to play. Larry directed Strongheart's first film "The Silent Call" (1921) which Jane wrote. Even way back then, "The Silent Call" earned over $1 million and fans continued to go see it multiple times. Strongheart became the first "canine movie star", and German shepherds would soon become the most popular breed in the United States.
Strongheart appeared in a total of six silent films during his brief career including the break-through title character of "White Fang" (1925). It was the first film adaptation based from Jack London's 1906 novel. Only Strongheart's final film--1927's "The Return of Boston Blackie"--still exists; the others are lost. But the canine star eventually found his true love in his third film. Lady Jule, a female German shepherd, was his co-star in 1924's "The Love Master". They would breed several pups, a few of whom would shine in Hollywood films as well.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was how Larry Trimble let Strongheart chose his canine co-star. Once, a businessperson wanted to use Strongheart's likeness for his named brand of dog food.
The German shepherd had to actually eat and enjoy the concoction before Larry agreed to any deal. The dog food has been around for over 90 years. I'm also glad to know that Larry always treated Strongheart as an equal partner--which he was.
Sadly, Strongheart was badly hurt from a hot lamp in 1929 during filming. A tumor formed and despite the best medical care during that time, the Wonder Dog eventually succumbed to his injuries. He was 11 years old--and for Larry and Jane, it was like losing a member of the family. Strongheart's memory lives on in a couple of YouTube videos and his "Boston Blackie" film plus his own name brand of dog food. He also received posthumously in 1960 a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his brief contributions to the silent-film era.
"Strongheart" is a book for any dog-lover and film fanatic out there. A big "Brrr-Woof" goes out to Etzel (and Strongheart) for his contributions to silent films and for blazing the trail for all dogs who have gone and continue to go Hollywood. Dogs will continue to be "man's best friend" but the big and small screen help to bring them into our home and our hearts. Highly recommended!
Rating for "Strongheart": *****
Born Etzel Von Oeringen in 1917 in Germany, this German shepherd worked as a police dog in Berlin as well as served in his native land's Red Cross during the final year of World War I. At age three in 1920, Etzel met Larry Trimble, who directed cinema's first canine star Jean the Vitagraph Dog in 25 films. (A Scotch collie, her first--now lost--film from 1910 "Jean and the Calico Doll" also featured the debut of a future Oscar-winning actress: Helen Hayes.)
After Jean's passing in 1916, Larry Trimble tried to find another dog actor in Hollywood to no avail. He had to extend his search for the right dog. When Larry came upon Etzel, something clicked in his mind. He had found his newest canine star, whom his writing partner Jane Murfin renamed "Strongheart".
But in order for things to work, Larry and Strongheart had to build a trusting relationship as well as teach the dog how to play. Larry directed Strongheart's first film "The Silent Call" (1921) which Jane wrote. Even way back then, "The Silent Call" earned over $1 million and fans continued to go see it multiple times. Strongheart became the first "canine movie star", and German shepherds would soon become the most popular breed in the United States.
Strongheart appeared in a total of six silent films during his brief career including the break-through title character of "White Fang" (1925). It was the first film adaptation based from Jack London's 1906 novel. Only Strongheart's final film--1927's "The Return of Boston Blackie"--still exists; the others are lost. But the canine star eventually found his true love in his third film. Lady Jule, a female German shepherd, was his co-star in 1924's "The Love Master". They would breed several pups, a few of whom would shine in Hollywood films as well.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was how Larry Trimble let Strongheart chose his canine co-star. Once, a businessperson wanted to use Strongheart's likeness for his named brand of dog food.
The German shepherd had to actually eat and enjoy the concoction before Larry agreed to any deal. The dog food has been around for over 90 years. I'm also glad to know that Larry always treated Strongheart as an equal partner--which he was.
Sadly, Strongheart was badly hurt from a hot lamp in 1929 during filming. A tumor formed and despite the best medical care during that time, the Wonder Dog eventually succumbed to his injuries. He was 11 years old--and for Larry and Jane, it was like losing a member of the family. Strongheart's memory lives on in a couple of YouTube videos and his "Boston Blackie" film plus his own name brand of dog food. He also received posthumously in 1960 a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his brief contributions to the silent-film era.
"Strongheart" is a book for any dog-lover and film fanatic out there. A big "Brrr-Woof" goes out to Etzel (and Strongheart) for his contributions to silent films and for blazing the trail for all dogs who have gone and continue to go Hollywood. Dogs will continue to be "man's best friend" but the big and small screen help to bring them into our home and our hearts. Highly recommended!
Rating for "Strongheart": *****
August 9, 2024
Copy graciously provided by the publisher
When film director Larry Trimble decides that the next big thing for Hollywood movies should be a dog, he and his assistant Jane find a German Shepherd puppy who proves to be just right. The German born Etzel is rechristened Strongheart and after some training, begins his career in films with The Silent Call. Strongheart is an uncanny actor, and Trimble feels that he can actually communicate with the dog. The films are a success, and Strongheart endorses dog food, visits orphanages, "marries" his costar, Lady Jule, and signs lots of pictures with his "pawtograph". Fame has its price, of course, and he is embroiled in a case where parents of a young girl who is lost in an underground tunnel after trying to retrieve Strongheart's ball accuse the dog of savaging her daughter. Luckily, the boys in the orphanage do detective work in the tradition of the best "dime novels" and prove that Strongheart is not responsible. The noble German Shepherd is able to resume his career and enjoy life with his growing family.
Strengths: This is a delightful, fictionalized account of a real dog movie star. It is interesting that after 90 years, there is not enough information about Strongheart's origins to know exactly whence he came; we are so used to everything being documented electronically that this gave even me some pause! This is probably why this took the form of a novel rather than one of Fleming's excellent nonfiction book. The illustrations by Eric Rohmann are charming and will appeal to readers who love dogs as well as... who doesn't like cute dog pictures? The notes at the back about the "real story" are helpful, and it's nice to have some links and a bibliography to investigates. Dog books are always in demand, and this is a particularly engaging one.
Weaknesses: It's a shame that a bit more coverage wasn't given to the concept of silent films. While this can certainly be enjoyed without it, modern 12 year olds don't understand life without computers, much less life without films that have sound. There are clips of Strongheart available online, and interested readers who look these up will likely be very confused by the concept of a silent film! Considering that I recently had to explain the concept of a "Sunday Drive" to a 25 year old, and there are teachers at my school that didn't know there was ever a nongraphic internet, some more explanations wouldn't have gone amiss. Technology moves quickly!
What I really think: Can't wait to hand this one to students!
When film director Larry Trimble decides that the next big thing for Hollywood movies should be a dog, he and his assistant Jane find a German Shepherd puppy who proves to be just right. The German born Etzel is rechristened Strongheart and after some training, begins his career in films with The Silent Call. Strongheart is an uncanny actor, and Trimble feels that he can actually communicate with the dog. The films are a success, and Strongheart endorses dog food, visits orphanages, "marries" his costar, Lady Jule, and signs lots of pictures with his "pawtograph". Fame has its price, of course, and he is embroiled in a case where parents of a young girl who is lost in an underground tunnel after trying to retrieve Strongheart's ball accuse the dog of savaging her daughter. Luckily, the boys in the orphanage do detective work in the tradition of the best "dime novels" and prove that Strongheart is not responsible. The noble German Shepherd is able to resume his career and enjoy life with his growing family.
Strengths: This is a delightful, fictionalized account of a real dog movie star. It is interesting that after 90 years, there is not enough information about Strongheart's origins to know exactly whence he came; we are so used to everything being documented electronically that this gave even me some pause! This is probably why this took the form of a novel rather than one of Fleming's excellent nonfiction book. The illustrations by Eric Rohmann are charming and will appeal to readers who love dogs as well as... who doesn't like cute dog pictures? The notes at the back about the "real story" are helpful, and it's nice to have some links and a bibliography to investigates. Dog books are always in demand, and this is a particularly engaging one.
Weaknesses: It's a shame that a bit more coverage wasn't given to the concept of silent films. While this can certainly be enjoyed without it, modern 12 year olds don't understand life without computers, much less life without films that have sound. There are clips of Strongheart available online, and interested readers who look these up will likely be very confused by the concept of a silent film! Considering that I recently had to explain the concept of a "Sunday Drive" to a 25 year old, and there are teachers at my school that didn't know there was ever a nongraphic internet, some more explanations wouldn't have gone amiss. Technology moves quickly!
What I really think: Can't wait to hand this one to students!
November 3, 2024
I first learned about Strongheart when I found an old copy of the original children's book in an antique store, so I was really excited to hear of a longer, but still juvenile, book about him.
It's very definitely a children's story -- while it models realistic historical fiction, the entire premise rests on asking us to believe that Strongheart perfectly understands conversational human language, and attempts to reply much as if he were a man trapped in a dog's body -- which left me really craving more details about the real story (a few pages and photographs in the back, at least, take the edge off).
But for what it is, it is quite fun, particularly because it's filled with wonderful black and white illustrations, including some wordless 2-page spreads (my favorite is when there are two in a row, one featuring Strongheart's ears by a table with a doughnut on it, the next featuring a plate with only crumbs and a disappearing tail).
The amount of text is actually rather small, taking up no more than 2/3rds of any given page (sometimes only a sentence) in larger than average font -- I counted a couple of the longer ones and came up with 120 words at most, including "the" and similar. The language is child-friendly, and with an illustration every couple of pages, it would make a wonderful read-aloud. Assuming, of course, that you can get past the crushing sadness of the first 25 pages, which include puppy!Strongheart being taken away from his mother and siblings, left alone in a cold police cell, and being repeatedly kicked for whimpering, as well as left at the mercy of several aggressive adult dogs, until he learns to fight back.
Either way, a lovely book for the private or library collection. Side note: get the hardcover! Beneath the dust jacket is a smooth cover featuring the full version of the cropped illustration on the jacket.
It's very definitely a children's story -- while it models realistic historical fiction, the entire premise rests on asking us to believe that Strongheart perfectly understands conversational human language, and attempts to reply much as if he were a man trapped in a dog's body -- which left me really craving more details about the real story (a few pages and photographs in the back, at least, take the edge off).
But for what it is, it is quite fun, particularly because it's filled with wonderful black and white illustrations, including some wordless 2-page spreads (my favorite is when there are two in a row, one featuring Strongheart's ears by a table with a doughnut on it, the next featuring a plate with only crumbs and a disappearing tail).
The amount of text is actually rather small, taking up no more than 2/3rds of any given page (sometimes only a sentence) in larger than average font -- I counted a couple of the longer ones and came up with 120 words at most, including "the" and similar. The language is child-friendly, and with an illustration every couple of pages, it would make a wonderful read-aloud. Assuming, of course, that you can get past the crushing sadness of the first 25 pages, which include puppy!Strongheart being taken away from his mother and siblings, left alone in a cold police cell, and being repeatedly kicked for whimpering, as well as left at the mercy of several aggressive adult dogs, until he learns to fight back.
Either way, a lovely book for the private or library collection. Side note: get the hardcover! Beneath the dust jacket is a smooth cover featuring the full version of the cropped illustration on the jacket.
February 25, 2018
With the foundation of a true story and a literal underdog, Strongheart will warm the hearts of many young readers. The German Shepard was a film star in the 1920s with nation-wide fans eagerly watching his incredible stunts and show of emotions; Fleming and Rohmann work together and bring Strongheart's backstory to life with a few creative liberties for a comprehensive narrative and a message of love, hope, and family.
This sweet story is a fairly quick read due to the combination of text and beautifully rendered illustrations, making the pages fly by for a satisfying conclusion. However, the story gets a little too sweet and gentle; too many conflicts are quickly dismissed with a playful lick from our hero, making the interaction fall a little flat. But it is undeniable that the aforementioned illustrations seamlessly elevate the book to another level, giving readers a more immediate connection to both the action and emotions surrounding Strongheart's thoughts and story.
Many younger readers will delight in this small bit of history with giggles and wide eyes throughout.
This sweet story is a fairly quick read due to the combination of text and beautifully rendered illustrations, making the pages fly by for a satisfying conclusion. However, the story gets a little too sweet and gentle; too many conflicts are quickly dismissed with a playful lick from our hero, making the interaction fall a little flat. But it is undeniable that the aforementioned illustrations seamlessly elevate the book to another level, giving readers a more immediate connection to both the action and emotions surrounding Strongheart's thoughts and story.
Many younger readers will delight in this small bit of history with giggles and wide eyes throughout.
January 19, 2019
I loved this tale of Strongheart, based on the true story of a 1920's german shepherd film star. The black and white oil painted illustrations of young "Etzel" from a small puppy are so realistically depicted and endearing, you are hooked immediately. Etzel began his young life as an abused but highly effective police dog. Luck turned his life around when talented film maker Larry Trimble and his screen writer partner Jane Murfin searched for the perfect star for their innovative tale, about a dog who becomes the hero of the entire movie. They found their perfect pick with Etzel, yet he required a complete makeover to become a successful dog actor, quite a difficult task! The story has many twists and turns that keep the pages turning as Etzel renamed Strongheart follows his loyal instincts that sometimes get him in grave trouble. This is a must read either as an entertaining read aloud or a favorite easy to read intermediate book for dog lovers, and adventure seekers alike. The fact that it's based on a true story will entice young readers to seek out more historical fiction books as well.
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