The Shy Ones

by Lynn Hall

Shy, unhappy fifteen-year-old Robin rescues an injured golden retriever and works to help the dog overcome its timidity. She must overcome her own shyness when training Kate for the show ring.

Genres: Young Adult, Dogs, Middle Grade, Childrens

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Lynn Hall was the author of over fifty novels for juvenile and young adult readers, as well as over two dozen novels for younger readers. Her books focus on coming-of-age stories featuring dogs and horses.

Reviews

[A.E. Chandler]

Came across this review written by ten-year-old me after reading this book:

“The book didn’t reflect too much on why Robin (main character) got over being shy, just that she did. I found that to be a great let down. Still, all the same, I enjoyed the book, and I kind of hate to finish it.

“I found a few interesting facts about golden retrievers, as well as some from James Herriot’s Dog Stories. Thanks [to my grade four teacher] for loaning it to me!”

[wanderer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been searching for this book off and on for years! Thank you, "What's the Name of that Book Group" for suggesting Google Books!

I wasn't a painfully shy kid myself, and I loved cats more than dogs, but this was my favorite book for a couple of years. I read it dozens of times. Unfortunately, I was still under its spell when I had to get glasses at fifteen. The literary Robin's glasses-choosing day inspired me to get these awful, ugly brown plastic frames that did absolutely nothing for my face. So thanks for that, Robin!

Gonna go order a copy of this, since my sisters inherited my old one and did who-knows-what with it.

SO HAPPY to finally find this!

[Stephanie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful story, with the dog based on one of Hall's own (as told in Dog Stories ). Full of teenage wish-fulfillment, dog show detail, and just a ton of 1960s small town sweetness.

At the beginning of the book, Robin's biggest worry is her shyness and how it keeps her from enjoying a full social life like the other kids. That all changes when she finds an injured dog in the ditch. With the help of a friendly local veterinarian, the dog is patched up, and Robin soon adopts her and goes to work for him to pay off the bill. Girl and dog bond as kindred spirits and grow together -- the vet keeps Robin on throughout the school year, and soon she begins to blossom thanks to her newfound responsibility and a friendship with the new boy in town, just as the time and care she puts into the dog gradually overcomes the animal's shyness. Eventually they are able to set their sights on the show ring -- if only Kate's dreadful fear of cars can be overcome.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin feels pretty hopeless - too shy with no idea how to change until the day she meets a dog.

Deeper story than this looks at first glance. I read this back in the 1970s and many times since then, taking hope in finding a way out of my own shyness, not realizing that the author was absolutely correct - Doing what you love really changes everything.

[stellajames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it maybe 40 some years ago and never forgot it. Dog lover, wanted to be a vet, never been kissed and wore glasses. OF COURSE I give it five stars!

[SraPanadera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of a shy girl and a mistreated dog helping each other become comfortable in the world. Kate is a great Golden and Robin is forever my hero for how she saves her. Loved this book as a kid and love it even more as an adult with two Goldens of my own.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin is shy and self-conscious, until she happens upon an injured dog. Robin rescues the dog, and the dog returns the favor by bringing Robin into her own. This is a very heartwarming story, with engaging, likable characters.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remembered liking Lynn Hall's animal stories and specifically remembered this one. I even had this same cover. A fairly simple story of a shy girl who finds an injured Golden retriever, nurses it to health, buys it from its cruel owner, and overcomes her own shyness by helping the dog (Kate) to do the same, eventually showing her and earning points toward her championship. It ended rather abruptly but was a pleasant enough quick read, if dated in many ways.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as a teenager (someone just mentioned it on one of my book groups on Facebook, and it brought it all back). A girl and her dog. Loved it! (I vividly remember the bit where Robin chooses new glasses too, since I have worn glasses since I was a child).

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books as a preteen and it's still really good!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

15-year-old Robin saves a golden retriever that has been hit by a car and they heal and grow stronger together.

This was one of my favorite books as a teenager. I, too, was shy and awkward. Surely if I had a dog and became a dog handler in shows, I would also immediately gain a great boyfriend, better glasses that didn't look like coke bottles, and ribbons at a dog show. I ignored the fact that I didn't have a dog and my mom wouldn't let me have a dog. Through Robin, I dreamed a dream.

This was shortly after I realized that my "I will be a jockey" moment wasn't going to happen. Turns out never having ridden a horse and now being 5'4" shoots that one down. Teen dreams are a bit different now, I would be willing to bet.

[Nancy Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 30 + years ago and was always interested in obtaining my own copy. I finally accomplished this goal and finished reading it tonight. I love dogs and can relate to Robin. She has a hard time asserting herself. I come across as an outgoing, confident person most of the time but can be shy and insecure in unfamiliar situations. Robin shows a lot of growth and maturing during the story which is interesting. I am so happy that I was able to reconnect with and acquire this book.