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A Dog’s Life #2
Everything for a Dog
In this companion to her acclaimed 2005 novel, A Dog's Life , Ann M. Martin tells the parallel stories of a stray dog (the brother of the dog featured in A Dog's Life ), a boy dealing with unspeakable loss, and a boy whose most ardent wish is to own a dog―and everything for a dog. Bone and his sister, Squirrel, are stray dogs born in a shed. Left motherless as puppies, the two dogs survive together for a while, but are soon wrenched apart. Bone doesn't know if his sister is still alive, and must now go on, alone. Charlie is a boy who has suffered a terrible loss. And, as he's healing with the help of his dog, another tragedy occurs. Henry's best friend has moved away. All Henry has wanted is a dog of his own. But his parents won't let him. Bone, Charlie, and Henry live very different lives, but they are fated to intersect in surprising ways. Award-winning author Ann M. Martin has written a powerful, heartfelt novel that's perfect for anyone who has ever longed for a dog, or loved one.
211 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
87 people are currently reading
1554 people want to read
About the author
Ann M. Martin
1,114 books3,059 followersAnn Matthews Martin was born on August 12, 1955. She grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, with her parents and her younger sister, Jane. After graduating from Smith College, Ann became a teacher and then an editor of children's books. She's now a full-time writer.
Ann gets the ideas for her books from many different places. Some are based on personal experiences, while others are based on childhood memories and feelings. Many are written about contemporary problems or events. All of Ann's characters, even the members of the Baby-sitters Club, are made up. But many of her characters are based on real people. Sometimes Ann names her characters after people she knows, and other times she simply chooses names that she likes.
Ann has always enjoyed writing. Even before she was old enough to write, she would dictate stories to her mother to write down for her. Some of her favorite authors at that time were Lewis Carroll, P. L. Travers, Hugh Lofting, Astrid Lindgren, and Roald Dahl. They inspired her to become a writer herself.
Since ending the BSC series in 2000, Ann’s writing has concentrated on single novels, many of which are set in the 1960s.
After living in New York City for many years, Ann moved to the Hudson Valley in upstate New York where she now lives with her dog, Sadie, and her cats, Gussie, Willy and Woody. Her hobbies are reading, sewing, and needlework. Her favorite thing to do is to make clothes for children.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/annmma...
Ann gets the ideas for her books from many different places. Some are based on personal experiences, while others are based on childhood memories and feelings. Many are written about contemporary problems or events. All of Ann's characters, even the members of the Baby-sitters Club, are made up. But many of her characters are based on real people. Sometimes Ann names her characters after people she knows, and other times she simply chooses names that she likes.
Ann has always enjoyed writing. Even before she was old enough to write, she would dictate stories to her mother to write down for her. Some of her favorite authors at that time were Lewis Carroll, P. L. Travers, Hugh Lofting, Astrid Lindgren, and Roald Dahl. They inspired her to become a writer herself.
Since ending the BSC series in 2000, Ann’s writing has concentrated on single novels, many of which are set in the 1960s.
After living in New York City for many years, Ann moved to the Hudson Valley in upstate New York where she now lives with her dog, Sadie, and her cats, Gussie, Willy and Woody. Her hobbies are reading, sewing, and needlework. Her favorite thing to do is to make clothes for children.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/annmma...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
April 4, 2016
Touching story of loss, love, and finding your feet. Alternate chapters between Bone the dog, Charlie and Henry. Bone's voice was sweet, and we see his journey come full circle. Henry was a lovely boy with a tender heart, I loved the little story involving a lonely lady called Letty. An unexpected twist in one of the human relationships left me with feelings of satisfaction of this sweet story, aimed at younger readers. This one came to my attention via my son, written by my most favourite childhood author.
September 13, 2010
I knew I had to read it when I saw the cover picturing a gorgeous golden retriever who resembles my beloved yellow Labrador, Max. I’m a softie when it comes to dog books, and I knew Martin wouldn’t let me down. The book consists of three parallel stories told in alternating chapters, one involving a dog named Bone, the others about two boys named Charlie and Henry.
Bone is a stray puppy who tells his story as he moves from one family to the next (much like Edward from my all-time favorite story The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo). Everything revolves around smells, hunger, and his need for shelter--which makes sense, considering he’s a dog. Bone’s voice is honest and humorous: “She murmured that I was a good girl (she had a surprise coming) and that…she was going to take me to a vet. (I didn’t know then what a vet was). She patted me, and I didn’t feel the need to bite her, so…I kept my teeth to myself.”
Charlie and his family are grieving after his brother R.J. dies in an accident. The brothers had been close, and their dog Sunny had been particularly fond of R.J. But with R.J. gone, a close bond develops between Charlie and the dog as the entire family tries to cope with their loss. Sunny proves to be essential to the family’s healing process.
Henry always includes a dog on his Christmas list, but he never gets one. The year he turns eleven, his entire list consists of a dog, a doghouse, and “everything for a dog.” Maybe this time his parents will get the hint that it’s the only thing he wants. When he sees a homeless dog roaming the neighborhood, he thinks that if he can secretly clean him up and train him, maybe his parents will let him stay. Children who have begged for a dog will appreciate Henry’s many attempts to sway his parents’ minds.
When I figured out the connection between these three characters, I did what I always do in animal stories—cried my eyes out. Readers looking for a lot of action will be disappointed, but those who love dogs and a moving story with well-developed characters will find it clever, touching, and unforgettable. Fans of this book should read Martin’s companion novel, A Dog’s Life, told by Bone’s sister Squirrel.
Bone is a stray puppy who tells his story as he moves from one family to the next (much like Edward from my all-time favorite story The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo). Everything revolves around smells, hunger, and his need for shelter--which makes sense, considering he’s a dog. Bone’s voice is honest and humorous: “She murmured that I was a good girl (she had a surprise coming) and that…she was going to take me to a vet. (I didn’t know then what a vet was). She patted me, and I didn’t feel the need to bite her, so…I kept my teeth to myself.”
Charlie and his family are grieving after his brother R.J. dies in an accident. The brothers had been close, and their dog Sunny had been particularly fond of R.J. But with R.J. gone, a close bond develops between Charlie and the dog as the entire family tries to cope with their loss. Sunny proves to be essential to the family’s healing process.
Henry always includes a dog on his Christmas list, but he never gets one. The year he turns eleven, his entire list consists of a dog, a doghouse, and “everything for a dog.” Maybe this time his parents will get the hint that it’s the only thing he wants. When he sees a homeless dog roaming the neighborhood, he thinks that if he can secretly clean him up and train him, maybe his parents will let him stay. Children who have begged for a dog will appreciate Henry’s many attempts to sway his parents’ minds.
When I figured out the connection between these three characters, I did what I always do in animal stories—cried my eyes out. Readers looking for a lot of action will be disappointed, but those who love dogs and a moving story with well-developed characters will find it clever, touching, and unforgettable. Fans of this book should read Martin’s companion novel, A Dog’s Life, told by Bone’s sister Squirrel.
March 11, 2019
I love reading dog books and this was one of my favorites. At sometimes it was sad. But every book has a sad part. And that's what made it so good.
April 18, 2011
I really wanted to give a 4 1/2 star rating to this beautiful, sweet story. A book that touches the reader's heart like this one is the reason adults should read children's literature. Everything for a Dog is the second book featuring the pups who were born in the wild and found themselves alone and fending for themselves. The first book, A Dog's Life, was the story of the female dog, Squirrel, and what happened to her after becoming separated from her brother. It was a heartwarming story, too. In this second book, the story of the male pup, Bone, is told. If you don't already have a soft spot in your heart for strays, these books will create one.
October 29, 2012
In Ann M. Martin’s Everything For A Dog, there are three main characters: Charlie, Henry, and Bone. Charlie has just lost his brother in a terrible accident and is learning, with his family and dog Sunny, how to start living again. With the help of Sunny, neighbor Mr. Hanna, and Aunt Susan, Charlie and his parents start the process of moving on. Soon though, Charlie is truly tested when the unthinkable happens. Henry is a young boy whose only friend has moved away. Desperately lonely and always wanting a dog, Henry comes up with a plan to achieve his goals and gains much more than he expected. Bone is a roaming dog. Although he has lived with people, it has never worked out. Much like all dogs, Bone knows what he wants: food, safety, and someone to love. Beautifully intertwined, the three stories unfold in this lovely story about the relationship between a boy and a dog.
This book is recommended for grades 4-6. Everything for a Dog suits this age group well as it is still a story about dogs, while taking a more mature tone and an enthralling story. The three characters perspectives can be confusing for younger grades. This book also deals with grief, a subject difficult to understand and empathize with at a young age. In my classroom, I would recommend this book to any and every student. I could read this book aloud and have a discussion about dogs and relationships. Also, this book could be read independently. In class, we would focus on character voice, and personal connection to text. Many students have had meaningful relationships with pets or animals. This could be using to start a writing lesson about relationships with animals.
This book is recommended for grades 4-6. Everything for a Dog suits this age group well as it is still a story about dogs, while taking a more mature tone and an enthralling story. The three characters perspectives can be confusing for younger grades. This book also deals with grief, a subject difficult to understand and empathize with at a young age. In my classroom, I would recommend this book to any and every student. I could read this book aloud and have a discussion about dogs and relationships. Also, this book could be read independently. In class, we would focus on character voice, and personal connection to text. Many students have had meaningful relationships with pets or animals. This could be using to start a writing lesson about relationships with animals.
June 27, 2010
This book warms the reader with the purest sense of love—a love between a kid and a dog. In this sequel to A Dog’s Life, we are submerged in a story told in three, alternating points of view.
The first is of Bone, an abandon dog, who after living with three different families—if only briefly—wanders the countryside season after season, picking food from garbage piles and searching for a permanent home. The second point of view is of a boy named Charlie who is struggling to find normalcy after his older brother dies. Seeking comfort in his dog Sunny, Charlie waits for the day his mom returns, dad stops hiding behind his work, and they become a family again. But, when Sunny is accidentally shot and killed by a hunter, Charlie’s world is once again turned upside down. Finally, we meet Henry, a boy who year after year asks for a dog and everything for a dog on his Christmas list. He tries, unsuccessfully, to convince his parents that he’s responsible enough to care for one. His heart aches with a hole that will only be filled by a furry friend.
I raced to the end of this book, desperate to find out how the three storylines would be tied together. Readers will not be disappointed to find that sometimes, love overcomes grief and opening your heart again will bring happiness despite past tragedies.
The first is of Bone, an abandon dog, who after living with three different families—if only briefly—wanders the countryside season after season, picking food from garbage piles and searching for a permanent home. The second point of view is of a boy named Charlie who is struggling to find normalcy after his older brother dies. Seeking comfort in his dog Sunny, Charlie waits for the day his mom returns, dad stops hiding behind his work, and they become a family again. But, when Sunny is accidentally shot and killed by a hunter, Charlie’s world is once again turned upside down. Finally, we meet Henry, a boy who year after year asks for a dog and everything for a dog on his Christmas list. He tries, unsuccessfully, to convince his parents that he’s responsible enough to care for one. His heart aches with a hole that will only be filled by a furry friend.
I raced to the end of this book, desperate to find out how the three storylines would be tied together. Readers will not be disappointed to find that sometimes, love overcomes grief and opening your heart again will bring happiness despite past tragedies.
December 8, 2009
Everything for a Dog by Ann. M Martin
Makenzi Cochran
A boy and his dog. Best friends forever, right? A bullet takes the canine’s life, then what?
Everything for a Dog by Ann M. Martin is about Charlie, a little boy, who has lost his brother and his dog. Now he’s grown up, and has a son of his own, Henry, who just really, really wants a dog! Charlie can’t help but think about how torn apart he was when Sunny, his mutt died, and can’t bear for it to happen again. But meanwhile, there’s a stray dog in the area, who just might want a home. This book tells the story of a growing bond between a boy and a stray, and their dreams of one day living together.
Everything for a Dog is a heart wrenching, tear jerking tale. I have no doubt you’ll love it! Martin did a great job telling the story from the view points of Henry, Charlie, and Bone. This realistic fiction book seemed so real to me; I almost felt like I was the dog! I recommend this book to the everyday dog lover, you’ll have no difficulties getting into it!
Makenzi Cochran
A boy and his dog. Best friends forever, right? A bullet takes the canine’s life, then what?
Everything for a Dog by Ann M. Martin is about Charlie, a little boy, who has lost his brother and his dog. Now he’s grown up, and has a son of his own, Henry, who just really, really wants a dog! Charlie can’t help but think about how torn apart he was when Sunny, his mutt died, and can’t bear for it to happen again. But meanwhile, there’s a stray dog in the area, who just might want a home. This book tells the story of a growing bond between a boy and a stray, and their dreams of one day living together.
Everything for a Dog is a heart wrenching, tear jerking tale. I have no doubt you’ll love it! Martin did a great job telling the story from the view points of Henry, Charlie, and Bone. This realistic fiction book seemed so real to me; I almost felt like I was the dog! I recommend this book to the everyday dog lover, you’ll have no difficulties getting into it!
July 18, 2019
i;m not even a dog person lmao but this Got Me
November 20, 2025
Following two abandoned puppies as they grow, and the stories of the humans in their lives, this story explores love and loss. The book is split between three perspectives, both present and historical. Ann Martin’s writing moves seamlessly between the perspectives and settings, creating a dynamic and engaging story. Though it’s a little slow to start, this heartbreaking story will have you thoroughly invested by the end.
AGES 10-13
AGES 10-13
May 10, 2025
This book was really well written and very bittersweet! I loved every bit of it! 🥲
February 1, 2017
Everything for a Dog was a great book to read and I recommend it to anyone who loves stories with a happy ending. This doesn't mean the whole book was a happy one. The author, Ann M. Martin, did a great job writing each chapter so the reader experiences many emotions throughout the novel. The book is all about a dog named Bone who has had a pretty hard life as a stray. There is some happiness when Bone finds a home but then it turns to sadness and anger when home after home has to give up Bone for some reason or another. We also experience the sadness, anger and grief the other two main characters, Charlie and Henry, are feeling. The thing that makes this book interesting to read is the author actually has three stories going on at once (one for each of the three main characters: Bone, Charlie and Henry) and after a few chapters you start to think about if there is some connection with the three characters. The suspense of figuring out the relationship between the three characters made me want to read the whole book in one night. Each chapter is either labelled Bone, Charlie or Henry and they are told from their point of view throughout the chapter. I felt this way I really got to know the character more because the whole chapter was from that character's perspective. When Bone would talk I learned how sad and angry he was every time a family abandoned him. As I read Charlie's chapters I learned how devastated he was over the death of his brother and how awful it was for him to witness his brother's dog get killed by a hunter. Henry also has lots of emotions in his chapters as he is sad and angry that his parents won't let him get a dog and then happy and concerned once he finds Bone and starts feeding him and training him without his parents knowing. Once it's revealed how all three of these characters are related and their actions from previous chapters are now explained you will feel nothing but love and compassion for all the characters. If you are a dog lover this is definitely a book you want to read - just make sure you have some kleenex handy. Also check out A Dog's Life which tells the story of Bones' sister, Squirrel.
May 14, 2014
I recommend this book because it is a book that will make you cry and make you on the edge of your seat. I rate this book with a 4 star reputation because this book really was just great with the way the author made it so that you could create a scene in your heard when you read the book.
Bone, a dog, narrates the first story, telling of his earliest memories of being a stray, along with his mother and sister, Squirrel. One day his mother doesn't return, and Bone and his sister wander away from the shed they lived in.
A man finds them, but eventually he dumps them at a shopping mall where a woman rescues Bone. She leaves Squirrel behind. When the woman finds she can't take care of her new baby, she gives Bone to her father, Franklin. Franklin is forced to move into assisted living where pets aren't allowed so they get rid of Bone.
Eventually Bone encounters a boy who befriends him by leaving food out for him. The boy also trains him a little. One day Bone gets caught in a hunter's trap and is rescued by the boy and his father.
The second story centers on a soon-to-be fifth-grader named Charlie Elliot. His family is grieving the recent death of his brother, RJ. Though RJ was only 13, the small town of Lindenfield treasured him because of his athletic ability and scholastic abilities RJ fell from a tree to his death. At the time, he had been trying to rescue Charlie's homemade kite. The result is that Charlie feels responsible for RJ's death.
With the school year over, Charlie has the summer ahead to spend with RJ's dog, Sunny — his new, inherited best friend. Sunny plays a role in helping the family through their grief.
Hunting season begins a few days before Thanksgiving, with Sunny fearful of the booming gun noises. Charlie is traumatized when a hunter accidentally shoots and kills Sunny. The Elliots bury Sunny in the spot where RJ fell. Charlie's life transitions into Henry's
Bone, a dog, narrates the first story, telling of his earliest memories of being a stray, along with his mother and sister, Squirrel. One day his mother doesn't return, and Bone and his sister wander away from the shed they lived in.
A man finds them, but eventually he dumps them at a shopping mall where a woman rescues Bone. She leaves Squirrel behind. When the woman finds she can't take care of her new baby, she gives Bone to her father, Franklin. Franklin is forced to move into assisted living where pets aren't allowed so they get rid of Bone.
Eventually Bone encounters a boy who befriends him by leaving food out for him. The boy also trains him a little. One day Bone gets caught in a hunter's trap and is rescued by the boy and his father.
The second story centers on a soon-to-be fifth-grader named Charlie Elliot. His family is grieving the recent death of his brother, RJ. Though RJ was only 13, the small town of Lindenfield treasured him because of his athletic ability and scholastic abilities RJ fell from a tree to his death. At the time, he had been trying to rescue Charlie's homemade kite. The result is that Charlie feels responsible for RJ's death.
With the school year over, Charlie has the summer ahead to spend with RJ's dog, Sunny — his new, inherited best friend. Sunny plays a role in helping the family through their grief.
Hunting season begins a few days before Thanksgiving, with Sunny fearful of the booming gun noises. Charlie is traumatized when a hunter accidentally shoots and kills Sunny. The Elliots bury Sunny in the spot where RJ fell. Charlie's life transitions into Henry's
May 23, 2009
I read this in one fell swoop and was surprised about 3/4 of the way through -- maybe I wasn't reading carefully enough and missed some clues? This was one of those books that made me want to turn back to the beginning and reread as soon as I'd finished it. A sign of a good book. I also kept trying to figure out if there were connections among any of the characters in this book and in her previous "A Dog's Life." I think this one was more cohesive than that.
January 30, 2013
My daughter bought this for herself at the school book fair. I loved the Babysitter's Club books when I was her age, so I thought I'd try something different by Ms Martin. I am very glad I read it and I can see why she's read it over and over again. If you like dogs and a good story, this is a great book for you. It carries three points of view throughout, one per chapter. They all tie together beautifully at the end. Try it out, even if you think you might be too old for it.
June 3, 2019
I’ve reread this book so many times and it still gets me in the feels. If you love reading dog books, watching dog movies, or just love dogs in general this is the perfect book. The author does a great job of keeping all three story lines so interesting. When I switch to a different characters story I don’t really get the disappointing feeling that I have in other books, because I know that what ever this character is going through is just as interesting.
November 10, 2018
I've had this book on my to-be-read pile for a while. It was rising in the stack when my mother died and I knew I wouldn't be able to handle a sad dog story so I had to wait to gain some emotional strength.
The book ended up being a feel good story (as dog stories often do) but I really wanted to learn more about Squirrel. I thought she might end up being Sunny but I was soooooo wrong!
I did end up feeling for the characters: child, adult, dog.
The book ended up being a feel good story (as dog stories often do) but I really wanted to learn more about Squirrel. I thought she might end up being Sunny but I was soooooo wrong!
I did end up feeling for the characters: child, adult, dog.
September 28, 2009
Excellent sequel but also stand alone. Such a beautiful connection between three stories which connect fluidly into one finale. I actually didn't get annoyed moving from one point of view to another.
October 5, 2009
I read this book in almost one sitting and had to go hug my dogs after finishing. If you're a dog lover, you'll love this book! I was surprised by the ending and not surprised at the same time. Sweet, touching and clever.
August 31, 2018
Believe it or not I finished this book in one night. The storyline was moving and the connections between the three main characters surprised me! All in all I loved it and would definitely recommend it to my kids and my little sister.
September 4, 2009
Bring out the kleenex - I'm not even a dog lover but it touched me. I also read "A Dog's Life". Particularly liked the tie-in at the ending
January 3, 2010
I hope this is a Newbery contender this year ... great companion to A Dog's Life and an ending that left me choked up. I devoured this book.
October 22, 2024
I gave this book, “Everything for a Dog” by Ann M. Martin, four stars. First, Martins theme of emptiness is shown throughout the book. “These mornings are so different from the mornings of a year ago that Charlie can barely stand to remember the old summer days.” (Martin 78) This quote shows that Charlie, even though it’s summer, is feeling some sort of emptiness after the death of his brother. Second, irony is used well throughout the book. “The point is losing Sunny was horrible.” (Martin 159) In this quote, Charlie is saying that losing his dog was heartbreaking, but he ends up allowing Henry to have his own dog. “‘Welcome to your new home, Buddy.’” (Martin 209) Next, grief is used evidently throughout the book. “Something is different, but he isn’t sure what. Then he sees that RJ’s diploma hangs over the mantelpiece, replacing nothing.” (Martin 55) In this quote it’s shows that the death of RJ has a great impact on the family. They feel that something is different, but they don’t know what it is. Lastly, imagery shown in the book and in the quote, “Every window in the gym is open wide, and flies and bees circle the families seated stickily on the metal folding chairs that have been arranged in rows on the varnished floor.” (Martin 12) This quote makes an image of how hot it is inside the gym since it is summertime. I liked how the author describes the heat with the windows open wide.
October 12, 2017
Have you ever heard of three main characters in one single book? Have you ever gone through struggles and times of despair in life. Ann Martin incorporates those elements in her book Everything For A Dog. Keep reading to read how I feel the book is and what the book is about (no spoilers).
The three characters in the book, Bone, Charlie, and Henry, all start in different places but towards the end of the book, the characters relate together in “surprising ways.” - Ann Martin (author) Bone is a stray dog who was left motherless as a baby puppy with his older sister, Squirrel. They get separated trying to survive and Bone must go on by himself. Charlie is affected by his well-known older brother’s death in the small town of Lindenfield. That tragedy affected him as people go up to him questioning and mourning his loss. Henry, living in Claremont, always asked his parents to have a dog every Christmas. The book is realistic fiction because any of the events inside of the book can occur or happen in real life, making this a realistic fiction book.
The external conflict for Henry, one of the characters is the fact that he cannot own a dog, which is what he wanted for many years. His parents would not allow him to own one, they say it is too much responsibility, which makes his story character vs. character.
The internal conflict for Bone, one of the characters is the fact none of his “owners” wanted to keep him for a long time, which left him feeling not accepted. All he wants is to have a permanent home instead of being a stray dog, which makes his story character vs. society.
I liked the book because the author portrayed truthful emotions, such as acceptance and hardships through life, and how everything you do cannot be rewarded; you have to earn it. Martin strongly explains her own, personal struggles through her writing, this book being one of these examples. The book is unique in the sense that it has multiple characters, making this book unique and one of my all-time favorites.
I would recommend this book for any person of any age or gender. Hardships and struggles can occur to anyone in life. I recommend this book for any age because it shows and teaches children what people go through, and it reminds adults of what can happen in life. You can relate with the book somehow, which makes the book feel more personal, hence making it more enjoyable to read.
The three characters in the book, Bone, Charlie, and Henry, all start in different places but towards the end of the book, the characters relate together in “surprising ways.” - Ann Martin (author) Bone is a stray dog who was left motherless as a baby puppy with his older sister, Squirrel. They get separated trying to survive and Bone must go on by himself. Charlie is affected by his well-known older brother’s death in the small town of Lindenfield. That tragedy affected him as people go up to him questioning and mourning his loss. Henry, living in Claremont, always asked his parents to have a dog every Christmas. The book is realistic fiction because any of the events inside of the book can occur or happen in real life, making this a realistic fiction book.
The external conflict for Henry, one of the characters is the fact that he cannot own a dog, which is what he wanted for many years. His parents would not allow him to own one, they say it is too much responsibility, which makes his story character vs. character.
The internal conflict for Bone, one of the characters is the fact none of his “owners” wanted to keep him for a long time, which left him feeling not accepted. All he wants is to have a permanent home instead of being a stray dog, which makes his story character vs. society.
I liked the book because the author portrayed truthful emotions, such as acceptance and hardships through life, and how everything you do cannot be rewarded; you have to earn it. Martin strongly explains her own, personal struggles through her writing, this book being one of these examples. The book is unique in the sense that it has multiple characters, making this book unique and one of my all-time favorites.
I would recommend this book for any person of any age or gender. Hardships and struggles can occur to anyone in life. I recommend this book for any age because it shows and teaches children what people go through, and it reminds adults of what can happen in life. You can relate with the book somehow, which makes the book feel more personal, hence making it more enjoyable to read.
June 28, 2020
This is a book about a dog’s journey to find a boy who loves him and a boy’s journey to find a dog to love.
The dog starts out his life in a shed on the property of a family who hates all animals. When the puppy’s mother goes away and never comes back, he and his sister are on their own, trying to make their way in the world alone.
Then there’s also this boy who’s wanted a dog for as long as he can remember. He has asked for a dog for every holiday and birthday for years--a dog, a doghouse and everything for a dog--but his parents keep saying no.
Somehow, these two are destined for each other, but they’ve got a long journey before they can ever meet each other.
(REVIEW: Pleasant read, and a good one for trying to figure out how these two characters will find each other. Reading from the dog's point of view may confuse you at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine.)
The dog starts out his life in a shed on the property of a family who hates all animals. When the puppy’s mother goes away and never comes back, he and his sister are on their own, trying to make their way in the world alone.
Then there’s also this boy who’s wanted a dog for as long as he can remember. He has asked for a dog for every holiday and birthday for years--a dog, a doghouse and everything for a dog--but his parents keep saying no.
Somehow, these two are destined for each other, but they’ve got a long journey before they can ever meet each other.
(REVIEW: Pleasant read, and a good one for trying to figure out how these two characters will find each other. Reading from the dog's point of view may confuse you at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine.)
February 27, 2020
Okay, this wasn't a bad book. 3 stars isn't the ideal rating, but honestly, I've read better. The plot is great, but some parts of the book were slightly confusing, and some questions were never answered. Some of the characters were slightly bland, and didn't have very distinguished characteristics to make them pop out, while others were great. I liked the way the book tied together at the end, it explained a lot. Something to note before you read this book is that it is very sad at some parts. I don't know if it is just me, but I found myself staring at the pages in disbelief and almost terror after something sad happened. I love animals, so the sad parts might bother me more than the normal human being, but anyways, some parts were quite upsetting. In conclusion, this book was fine, but nothing to push it over the edge and stand out.
July 31, 2018
I am endlessly fascinated by books that explore our relationships with dogs, and this tale did not disappoint. There is also a marvelous twist at the end which connects characters the reader had no idea were connected. The main dog, Bone, is a soulful survivor who deserves his happy ending. It is, however, so haunting that we never know what happened to his sister, Squirrel. I like everything tied up for me in a bow at the end of a book, but I understand that for many dogs and cats, there can be an unknown ending. Animals are abandoned, pets are often not fixed, and there are so many dogs who do not get the sanctuary they so richly deserve. A good book, a wistful book, a book to make us live up to our responsibilities.
March 12, 2022
Well in the end it straightens out. I was getting annoyed the whole book reading about Charlie, Henry, and Bone. I really wanted a book about Bone, but I guess since the author focused on Squirrel in the last book she didn't want to do that with Bone this time. I got so annoyed because what does Charlie and Henry have to do with each other and at the end, it was explained. Charlie was Henry's father. So before I figured that part out I was annoyed, but the ending wrapped it all up and it was nice. I did feel sorry for the old lady though, Henry said he was gonna get the dog for her and suddenly he adopted the dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2019
I liked the different voices in the novel and how the story tied up at the end. There were some happy moments, but there were also a number of extremely sad sections. There are certain young readers that really want a psycologically-grabbing book. I can think of one reader I know like this. Most young readers I know, however, would find this book tough going as there is a lot of sadness and tough times for either the dogs or the other characters. I'd be selective about who I'd recommend this read to even though it was well-written and has a lot going for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2017
I have loved Ann M. Martin since I was eight. She is a truly talented writer, and her talent lies in her ability to pull at your heartstrings. I'm not a dog lover but this book had me in tears several times. The story is told from three points of view, and I had fun figuring out what time period Charlie's was supposed to be in (hello, Cousin Brucie reference. How many people under 50 are going to get that?!) I loved the ending and was left satisfied. I hope her career goes on and on.
October 13, 2017
La storia è carina, non dico di no... ma per certi versi è abbastanza banale; il fatto che parli di cani ovviamente lo migliora, almeno per quanto mi riguarda (quando si parla di animali divento totalmente imbecille).
Diciamo che non sono 3 stelle piene ma 2 e 1/2 anche perché la scrittura è abbastanza semplice, quasi fosse un libro per bambini (cosa che secondo la catalogazione non è). Se si tratta di libro per bambini, allora ci sta! Altrimenti è scritto veramente in modo troppo elementare.
Diciamo che non sono 3 stelle piene ma 2 e 1/2 anche perché la scrittura è abbastanza semplice, quasi fosse un libro per bambini (cosa che secondo la catalogazione non è). Se si tratta di libro per bambini, allora ci sta! Altrimenti è scritto veramente in modo troppo elementare.
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