Star: A Heartwarming Middle Grade Adventure About a Shy Boy and a Deaf Rescue Dog for Kids (Ages 10-12)

American Dog #4

by Jennifer Li Shotz

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Max comes a heartwarming, middle grade adventure story about a rescue dog, Star, who befriends a shy boy as they hunt for lost treasure near Lake Michigan.

After her elderly owner passes away, Star—a deaf Australian shepherd—is brought to a local shelter. Star feels scared and alone—until she meets twelve-year-old Julian. After getting in trouble at school yet again, Julian volunteers at the shelter and realizes he can communicate with Star in a way that no one else can. Their bond continues to grow, and Julian and Star become inseparable. Then the unthinkable Funding for the shelter dries up. The only way to save Star is to adopt her, but he has to prove that he can stay out of trouble and train a dog like Star. Will Julian and Star find a way to stay together forever?
 

Genres: Dogs

336 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Charlotte Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian has dyslexia. One day, during a detention for not doing his homework, Julian’s principal takes him to an animal shelter. Julian finds one dog. Star. Star is deaf and very shy. Nobody can go near Star. Julian and his new friend named Bryan finally learn to teach Star. Star learns the same way Julian’s Grandpa’s dog did. His Grandpa was in the war. Grandpa taught his dog Liberty hand signals. Julian and Bryan teach Star the same hand signals. One day, Bryan tells Julian that he has dyslexia too. Both boys work on homework together from that day on. Then, Julian shows Bryan a map that has treasure on it. The boys want to look for it. Then Star gets very hurt. Will Star survive and live as Julian’s new pet dog? Or will she pass away? Also during all that, the animal shelter is closing! Will the owner raise enough money to save the shelter? Or will all the dogs and cats have to go to different shelters?

[Merrilyn Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star, a dog up for adoption is waiting in a shelter for her new owner. She is timid and deaf and doesn't know how to communicate that she is lonely. Star, up to this point, has been owned by an elderly woman who kept Star close to home and isolated from other dogs or people. The owner wasn't unkind, just didn't give Star much opportunity to see the world. Julian is a 12-year-old boy who desperately wants a dog. He doesn't like school nor does he do well in any subject, and he gets in trouble. One time, his punishment was to work at the local animal shelter, washing out cages and beds. Worse than that, Julian has to work with the principal's son, Bryan! Julian meets Star and discovers that Star is deaf. He finds a way to make friends with her and this is joyful for both of them. On a big adventure, Julian and Bryan take Star along on a treasure hunt (if found, the funds will sustain the shelter's life). Was there treasure? Was there trouble? Did Star and Julian get to stay together? This book is well worth the read to find out! Suitable for grades four to six.

[L.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are cute books but I cringe when I read them. Generally the children are doing very dangerous things of which they know their parents and other responsible adults would not approve, the dogs end up injured or endangered, and the children narrowly escape death. And for their extremely dangerous disobedience the children are very grandly rewarded. I’ve only read two of these books (and I’m not saying they aren’t well-written or engaging) but that’s the plot line of both. The books definitely have redeeming messages if you don’t take them too seriously.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming story about perseverance and being open-minded.

It follows a boy with dyslexia that is struggling in school, and ends up being sent to the local pet shelter for detention. He begins developing a bond with a deaf Australian Shepherd by the name of Star, and works hard with a newfound friend to help train her and make her feel more safe.

[Megan Nicolls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book with my 11 YO child. While we were sometimes baffled by the complete lack of logical thinking by the boys and were routinely shaking our heads at their decisions, overall we really enjoyed the book.

[Kylie Bellissimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really good! One thing though is that you get to learn about a child who is having a hard time in school but then meets the deaf dog named Star at a dog shelter! I would recommend this book to everyone!

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing book!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter wanted me to read this book and it was a pretty good story about a deaf dog and his boy!

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love your book

[Courtenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very uplifting story of the lessons a dog can teach the humans that care for it - lessons about friendship, communication, and embracing of differences.