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Shiloh #1-3
Shiloh
En casa de Marty Preston no sobra el dinero, así que parece imposible que él y sus hermanos tengan una mascota. Un domingo, Marty encuentra un cachorro al que decide cuidar y proteger. Para hacerlo deberá mentir y cada mentira le generará un problema mayor. Pronto Marty comprende que no siempre es fácil saber qué es lo correcto.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1991
About the author
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
211 books1,046 followersPhyllis Reynolds Naylor was born in Anderson, Indiana, US on January 4, 1933.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
Her family were strongly religious with conservative, midwestern values and most of her childhood was spent moving a lot due to her father's occupation as a salesman.
Though she grew up during the Depression and her family did not have a lot of money, Naylor stated that she never felt poor because her family owned good books. Her parents enjoyed reading stories to the children--her father would imitate the characters in Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer--and her mother read to them every evening, "almost until we were old enough to go out on dates, though we never would have admitted this to anyone."
By the time Phyllis reached fifth grade, writing books was her favorite hobby and she would rush home from school each day to write down whatever plot had been forming in her head - at sixteen her first story was published in a local church magazine.
Phyllis has written over 80 books for children and young people. One of these books, "Shiloh," was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1992, was named a Notable Children's Book by the American Library Association and was also Young Adult Choice by the International Reading Association.
Naylor gets her ideas from things that happen to her or from things she has read. "Shiloh" was inspired by a little abused dog she and her husband found. The little dog haunted her so much that she had to write a story about him to get it out of her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 7, 2026
Sometimes I hit pay dirt when I'm on a wild pick of a book. This is a delightful, inspiring read written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, and narrated by Peter MacNicol, Michael Moriarty, and Henry Leyva. Entitled: "The Complete Shiloh Trilogy: Shiloh, Shiloh Season, and Saving Shiloh" are three short (about 3 hours each) books about a boy and a dog he found, and the many trials he faces with his family and neighbors. Being a Newberry Winner has always been a big draw for me, and this is no exception. The target audience is for elementary and middle school, but an old one like me enjoyed very much too.
There are very serious topics addressed in these books from: child and animal abuse, alcoholism, problems between generations and neighbors. The author was an expert when it came to handling these issues. They were handled with a dignity that left us readers understanding the problems, and knowing what needed to be done to reconcile these issues. Marty, our main protagonist is a young lad of about 10 years, and he finds a delightful, about year old beagle, named Shiloh, that was being abused by his owner, using him for a hunting dog. He and three other dogs were chained, and improperly cared for, starved until it was time for another hunt. Their neighbor a few doors down, named Judd Travers, is an alcoholic, is the root of the abuse. He, an avid hunter even shot at Marty and the dog while driving.
We ask ourselves, do folks young and old deserve a second chance when so much abuse both physical and emotional has taken place. Ma says, "Some people just seem to attract trouble.” Judd attracts the sort of trouble that makes it difficult to believe in his change for the better. These books have a lot of spoilers in them. An important part of the stories, I don't want to ruin them for you.
Definitely recommend for many diverse audiences. From children, to animal lovers, to parents and children, etc. Enjoy, I sure did. Rate 4.5 Stars.
In the three books, much trauma occurs in all three, and yet we saw improvements and comraderie in the three books too. Marty's Dad and Mom, and sisters were very admirable and supportive people to Marty and the dog.
NOTE: There was a cute cover of boy and dog 🐶 on the cover of the books I read. Sorry they aren't in the goodread's file.
There are very serious topics addressed in these books from: child and animal abuse, alcoholism, problems between generations and neighbors. The author was an expert when it came to handling these issues. They were handled with a dignity that left us readers understanding the problems, and knowing what needed to be done to reconcile these issues. Marty, our main protagonist is a young lad of about 10 years, and he finds a delightful, about year old beagle, named Shiloh, that was being abused by his owner, using him for a hunting dog. He and three other dogs were chained, and improperly cared for, starved until it was time for another hunt. Their neighbor a few doors down, named Judd Travers, is an alcoholic, is the root of the abuse. He, an avid hunter even shot at Marty and the dog while driving.
We ask ourselves, do folks young and old deserve a second chance when so much abuse both physical and emotional has taken place. Ma says, "Some people just seem to attract trouble.” Judd attracts the sort of trouble that makes it difficult to believe in his change for the better. These books have a lot of spoilers in them. An important part of the stories, I don't want to ruin them for you.
Definitely recommend for many diverse audiences. From children, to animal lovers, to parents and children, etc. Enjoy, I sure did. Rate 4.5 Stars.
In the three books, much trauma occurs in all three, and yet we saw improvements and comraderie in the three books too. Marty's Dad and Mom, and sisters were very admirable and supportive people to Marty and the dog.
NOTE: There was a cute cover of boy and dog 🐶 on the cover of the books I read. Sorry they aren't in the goodread's file.
December 28, 2025
Felt nostalgic about dog books and coming back to this trilogy was soooo worth it.
I didn’t fully realize that these books deal with a lot of heavy topics ranging from alcoholism to intergenerational trauma to animal abuse, but the beauty and grace that the author treats these topics with is sooo lovely to read. What’s even more impressive is how she is able to tell these in a children’s book from the perspective of an 11-year-old, and yet her style of writing is rich and engulfs in a world of character development. Just from the simple way that Marty will correct his spelling mid-sentence in reference to a talk he had, or callbacks to the previous book on how he doesn’t like squash, really shows how much careful attention is put into each of these characters.
Judd Travers is a fascinating villain. A hunting man with the only trace of his friends and family being the lingering ghosts of beatings and anger passed down from an abusive household under his father. We get into rich detail on the perpetuation of this abuse we see through the way he treats his dogs, and his neighbors, and Marty, and how this abuse in turn affects those around him. Marty in turn is such a great foil given his confrontational nature and how he’ll do just about anything to have and protect Shiloh, and seeing how these two interact fills most of the meat of this story.
And we get to CRAZY lengths; Judd threatens Marty on multiple occasion, but once alcohol gets involved, Judd’s dogs attack Marty’s little sister and Marty literally SHOOTS at Marty and Shiloh from his truck in book two. And still, despite Judd swindling his neighbors and kicking Shiloh and SHOOTING at both of them, Marty still calls for help when Judd gets in a drunk driving accident, and Marty’s family still invite Judd to dinner on multiple occasions. And the third book covers a lot of Judd’s redemption, and deals with the philosophical questions of if a man like Judd can redeem himself in the eyes of his community after all this hell?
Everything from the small town of Shiloh, West Virginia, to Marty’s family, to the beagle himself that inspired me to read these books in elementary school on account of how obsessed with dog media I was, feels incredibly fleshed out and homely. Even with some heavy themes and some intense moments (that dog bite scene in the last book definitely has some trauma still attached), this book feels very hopeful and supportive, and gives you a lot of layers to characters that really make you care for each of them, and I’m able to appreciate this more upon reread since I wasn’t able to fully appreciate these themes as a kid.
A big warning: these books will make you want to get a dog. Beware puppy fever.
I didn’t fully realize that these books deal with a lot of heavy topics ranging from alcoholism to intergenerational trauma to animal abuse, but the beauty and grace that the author treats these topics with is sooo lovely to read. What’s even more impressive is how she is able to tell these in a children’s book from the perspective of an 11-year-old, and yet her style of writing is rich and engulfs in a world of character development. Just from the simple way that Marty will correct his spelling mid-sentence in reference to a talk he had, or callbacks to the previous book on how he doesn’t like squash, really shows how much careful attention is put into each of these characters.
Judd Travers is a fascinating villain. A hunting man with the only trace of his friends and family being the lingering ghosts of beatings and anger passed down from an abusive household under his father. We get into rich detail on the perpetuation of this abuse we see through the way he treats his dogs, and his neighbors, and Marty, and how this abuse in turn affects those around him. Marty in turn is such a great foil given his confrontational nature and how he’ll do just about anything to have and protect Shiloh, and seeing how these two interact fills most of the meat of this story.
And we get to CRAZY lengths; Judd threatens Marty on multiple occasion, but once alcohol gets involved, Judd’s dogs attack Marty’s little sister and Marty literally SHOOTS at Marty and Shiloh from his truck in book two. And still, despite Judd swindling his neighbors and kicking Shiloh and SHOOTING at both of them, Marty still calls for help when Judd gets in a drunk driving accident, and Marty’s family still invite Judd to dinner on multiple occasions. And the third book covers a lot of Judd’s redemption, and deals with the philosophical questions of if a man like Judd can redeem himself in the eyes of his community after all this hell?
Everything from the small town of Shiloh, West Virginia, to Marty’s family, to the beagle himself that inspired me to read these books in elementary school on account of how obsessed with dog media I was, feels incredibly fleshed out and homely. Even with some heavy themes and some intense moments (that dog bite scene in the last book definitely has some trauma still attached), this book feels very hopeful and supportive, and gives you a lot of layers to characters that really make you care for each of them, and I’m able to appreciate this more upon reread since I wasn’t able to fully appreciate these themes as a kid.
A big warning: these books will make you want to get a dog. Beware puppy fever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2023
I read this over and over and over again in elementary school and middle school! Couldn't put it down, I loved Shiloh so much!
January 4, 2019
It is very great and fun at first boring then is fun.
July 4, 2026
Shiloh 12th reading, 1st reading of the other 3 novels.
This heartbreaking and heartwarming Newberry winner is an impressive launching point for meaningful middle grade discussions on moral reasoning.
Shiloh Season:
Middle grade Marty makes honorable decisions in the face of grave danger.
Saving Shiloh:
One of the best middle grade examples of reciprocal bravery, kindness, overcoming a terrible reputation & human change I’ve ever read.
Shiloh Christmas 6/27/26
A deep dive into parenting, punishment, accusation, & gossip roles in the cycle of abuse & recovery.
Ingenious instances of gently nudging & guiding others into becoming better versions of themselves.
This heartbreaking and heartwarming Newberry winner is an impressive launching point for meaningful middle grade discussions on moral reasoning.
Shiloh Season:
Middle grade Marty makes honorable decisions in the face of grave danger.
Saving Shiloh:
One of the best middle grade examples of reciprocal bravery, kindness, overcoming a terrible reputation & human change I’ve ever read.
Shiloh Christmas 6/27/26
A deep dive into parenting, punishment, accusation, & gossip roles in the cycle of abuse & recovery.
Ingenious instances of gently nudging & guiding others into becoming better versions of themselves.
June 4, 2024
I don't understand how this book won a Newberry award and has stayed popular for so many years. A boy (Marty) steals and hides someone else's dog. Because of where he has hidden the dog it gets injured by another loose dog. Marty lies repeatedly and eventually blackmails the dog's legitimate owner (judd) into allowing him to 'buy' the dog for 20 hours of work.
Throughout the series the community and Marty continually vilify Judd and Marty continues to be a pest telling Judd how he should treat his remaining three dogs better.
I feel sorry for Judd. He is the underdog in this story. Not Marty or Shiloh.
Throughout the series the community and Marty continually vilify Judd and Marty continues to be a pest telling Judd how he should treat his remaining three dogs better.
I feel sorry for Judd. He is the underdog in this story. Not Marty or Shiloh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
Heartwarming story of a boy, his family, a dog, and a mean old man. Themes of forgiveness and kindness abound in this book. Is it ever okay to lie? Is it ever okay to blockmail?
Kinda spoilers - Negative: blackmail, deceit and lying, escaped convicts stealing, gossip, skinning animals, letting the blood drain, shooting animals (not surprising when Shiloh is hunting dog), cruelty to animals and a dog attacks a man and is killed with a hammer to the head.
Kinda spoilers - Negative: blackmail, deceit and lying, escaped convicts stealing, gossip, skinning animals, letting the blood drain, shooting animals (not surprising when Shiloh is hunting dog), cruelty to animals and a dog attacks a man and is killed with a hammer to the head.
April 17, 2019
My 4th grade teacher read these books to us and I remember being so captivated by this story. I made it my mission to save up my allowance and buy them for myself. Growing up, I read them multiple times. I still have the set that I plan on reading with my daughter soon. This story will always have a place in my heart.
December 3, 2020
What an amazing trilogy!! They are truly heartwarming books! I love that towards the end Marty and Judd are forming a friendship.
February 16, 2022
Con un inicio un tanto lento pero sin duda vale la pena quedarse, una historia muy bella
October 15, 2022
Mildly enjoyed this series, but don't remember much. I seemed to have an affinity for dog stories.
Wouldn't recommend.
Wouldn't recommend.
May 28, 2024
Beagles for the win. <3
July 16, 2024
A story about a young boy and his great love for a dog.
May 22, 2026
I looked back on this book with so much fondness, but I think there are way better books for middle grade readers. Happy to share this story with Gabriel!
July 21, 2026
Right up there with Old Yeller
March 16, 2017
Đây là câu chuyện cảm động nói về một cậu bé muốn giải cứu chú chó tên là Shiloh của mình khỏi sự bóc lột tàn ác của tên thợ săn nát rượu. Cậu đã phải vượt rất nhiều khó khăn để đạt được ý muốn.
January 1, 2019
"Uno tiene que tratar bien a su perro si quiere que se quede".
Shiloh es un libro para todos, porque todos debemos tener la consciencia de respetar a los animales. Marty Preston es un niño de unos doce años que vive con su familia bajo un techo humilde y no pueden permitirse más miembros en la familia. Judd Travers es el señor que más ira le causa a Marty porque tienen a muchos perros que maltrata si no cazan tal cómo él quiere.
Y las cosas en su vida son normales para Marty, sabe que Judd Travers no es un hombre bueno con nada, no sólo con los perros, roba en la tienda y engaña a todo el mundo. Pero un día encuentra a un sabueso que chilla y se esconde de su dueño; descubre que es un perro nuevo de Judd Travers. Desde esa vez todo es diferente, de repente siente un deseo y obligación de tener que proteger a ese perro, que después le pone Shiloh porque ese es el lugar dónde lo encontró.
"De pronto te encuentras cara a cara con un perro que te toca el corazón y, de repente, quieres cambiar todo de tajo".
Marty sabe que sus padres no le van a dejar tener a Shiloh y tiene que esconderlo, es su secreto para poder proteger a Shiloh de que su dueño lo mate. Pero no podrá hacerlo por mucho tiempo y tendrá que hacer lo correcto.
"Si un perro te mira en la forma en que Shiloh me miró a mí, no lo olvidas jamás".
Si bien, es un libro que tiene un mensaje bonito no fue el tipo de libro con el que se me llenaron los ojos de lágrimas, no se centra tanto en hacerte llorar sino más bien en el esfuerzo que puede hacer un niño por poder proteger a un ser canino, hasta poder mentir. Es un libro para todas las edades pero creo que los niños de 9-13 años lo valoran mucho más, porque a esa edad están en esa etapa de querer conectar con su medio ambiente y cuidarlo. Disfruté el libro, me dejó un mensaje muy bonito pero no es un libro para llorar, porque cómo dije, el libro no se centra en eso. Me gustó porque demuestra el amor de un niño por un perro que no conoce, pero que con verlo le basta para saber que no quiere nada más.
"Quiero a Shiloh porque él me necesita a mí. Me necesita desesperadamente".
Shiloh es un libro para todos, porque todos debemos tener la consciencia de respetar a los animales. Marty Preston es un niño de unos doce años que vive con su familia bajo un techo humilde y no pueden permitirse más miembros en la familia. Judd Travers es el señor que más ira le causa a Marty porque tienen a muchos perros que maltrata si no cazan tal cómo él quiere.
Y las cosas en su vida son normales para Marty, sabe que Judd Travers no es un hombre bueno con nada, no sólo con los perros, roba en la tienda y engaña a todo el mundo. Pero un día encuentra a un sabueso que chilla y se esconde de su dueño; descubre que es un perro nuevo de Judd Travers. Desde esa vez todo es diferente, de repente siente un deseo y obligación de tener que proteger a ese perro, que después le pone Shiloh porque ese es el lugar dónde lo encontró.
"De pronto te encuentras cara a cara con un perro que te toca el corazón y, de repente, quieres cambiar todo de tajo".
Marty sabe que sus padres no le van a dejar tener a Shiloh y tiene que esconderlo, es su secreto para poder proteger a Shiloh de que su dueño lo mate. Pero no podrá hacerlo por mucho tiempo y tendrá que hacer lo correcto.
"Si un perro te mira en la forma en que Shiloh me miró a mí, no lo olvidas jamás".
Si bien, es un libro que tiene un mensaje bonito no fue el tipo de libro con el que se me llenaron los ojos de lágrimas, no se centra tanto en hacerte llorar sino más bien en el esfuerzo que puede hacer un niño por poder proteger a un ser canino, hasta poder mentir. Es un libro para todas las edades pero creo que los niños de 9-13 años lo valoran mucho más, porque a esa edad están en esa etapa de querer conectar con su medio ambiente y cuidarlo. Disfruté el libro, me dejó un mensaje muy bonito pero no es un libro para llorar, porque cómo dije, el libro no se centra en eso. Me gustó porque demuestra el amor de un niño por un perro que no conoce, pero que con verlo le basta para saber que no quiere nada más.
"Quiero a Shiloh porque él me necesita a mí. Me necesita desesperadamente".
January 6, 2011
Shiloh was a very happy and sad book about a boy and a dog. A drunken man keep trying to take Shiloh back but the man abused the dog and the kid would not give up to keep the dog this is a great adventure book and a love between a boy and his dog. When I picked up this book I could not stop reading it, it was cliff hanger after cliff hanger. I wish the book never ended. The boy and the dog wanted to be together but the man keep wanting the dog back and the kid new he could not give Shiloh up because Shiloh was getting abused by the drunken man. This was the best book I have ever read about the relationship between a boy and a dog. I could not believe what the boy went through to get the dog he loved. This book made me want to spend more time with my dog and it also made me realize to love what you have and care for it and treat it with care. This book can make people cry then smile with not knowing what is going to happen next
Genre: Romance Between a dog and boy
Genre: Romance Between a dog and boy
Read
May 10, 2009DOES EVERYONE DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE?
Marty's parents think so -- even Judd Travers, whose history of drinking and violence keeps Marty from completely trusting that his beloved dog, Shiloh, will always be safe from Judd.
"Some people just seem to attract trouble," Marty's Ma says, and Judd attracts the sort of trouble that makes it hard to believe he's really changed. First, the police find the body of a man who'd fought with Judd. Then, a vicious attack forces Judd to kill one of his dogs. But just when it seems Judd will never be able to escape the shadow of his past, a dangerous accident gives him the chance to prove himself. Can Judd Travers actually become a hero?
September 30, 2010
I started out reading the 1st book in the trilogy, Shiloh, with my granddaughter and when she had to bring it back toher school library, I just had to find out how the book ended. So to the library I go and picked up the rest of the books in the trilogy, Shiloh Season and Saving Shiloh. I never intended to read all three of them, but I became hooked after the 1st book. Needless to say, I loved all of them. This is a great book to read to and or with your child or grandchild. The story is engrossing enough so that an adult will find it very interesting yet not so very difficult for a child to read. I heartily reccommend this book to anyone.
May 25, 2019
Without a doubt, the best realistic books series I've ever encountered! Each installment becomes more moving than the last. But what I most love about this series is the way the narrative revolves chiefly around neither the narrator nor the title character--but the antagonist of the first book, as he evolves throughout the series. It's just such an original framework for a children's book series. The second installment in the trilogy, Shiloh Season, is probably my favorite, but I really, really like all three!
August 4, 2015
Although the element of animal abuse is always a little uncomfortable, the story of redemption and forgiveness and second chances makes up for it. A good story with a moral, kid literature at it's best!
Want to Read
June 11, 2007I suppose that I should read this classic, because it will be one to reccomend to dozens of children. Do you suppose that somewhere, someone bans sweet books about puppies?
October 7, 2008
Its heartchanging
May 21, 2014
This collection was a nice, quick read. I picked it up as a possible read aloud for my kids, but they're not quite ready for it. I found the story enjoyable.
Read
January 9, 2016IL HER WITCH BOOKS AND SHILOH.
April 28, 2016
A tender, heartchanging story!
February 21, 2019
Me encantó 😍. Es absolutamente dulce y conmovedor.
October 25, 2025
Classic childhood book. If you didn’t read this wydddddd.
November 29, 2012
It's really funny in some parts - I read Shiloh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews