Dooger, the Grasshopper Hound, Book3, D.J. Dillon Adventure Series

The D.J. Dillon Adventure Series #3

by Lee Roddy, Tim Holden (Illustrator)

D.J. rescues an abandoned hound pup from a mountain road and with his best friend, the boys set out to train the dog they named Dooger. But he shows no sign of being a trail hound. About all Dooger chases are grasshoppers, which causes a neighbor to call him a grasshopper hound. The insult hurts D.J. and Alfred, who are determined to prove that Dooger is really good for something-but what? Everything they try ends in failure. When D.J.'s little brother runs away just as a forest fire threatens the area, the friends suddenly find themselves racing the fire and the clock to find the little brother. With only a single clue and Dooger's dubious record of trailing, the dog proves that he is really good for something. In the third book, D.J. learns that everything and everyone have gifts which can be used to help others.

121 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

About the author

Lee Roddy's journalism career began as a radio drama script writer. He has been a newspaper and radio broadcast executive with experience in advertising agencies and public relations. His award-winning newspaper was sold in 1973, and he is presently a full-time Christian writer. On the West Coast he writes and edits for prominent Christian leaders. He has taught many writing courses including sessions at Mount Herman Christian Writers Conference and Biola College. He is the author of numerous books and his published items number in the thousands both for secular and Christian publications. As a lifelong history buff he has written hundreds of newspaper columns on the subject. For several years he wrote and narrated the radio series "Your American Heritage." Mr. Roddy is a graduate of Los Angeles State College and lives in California with his wife near Disneyland. He has two grown children.

Reviews

[Super Red Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was a kid. However, now that I am older, I can’t help but notice how contrived the conversations between the characters are. A kid won’t notice this, but many adults will. Also, despite being a mystery, it was pretty obvious within the first few chapters who the bad guy was.
Despite these issues, I would still recommend the book to young children. It’s got action, fun characters, and a (albeit unrealistic and absurdly sudden) redemption arc.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The boys are soooo...soooooo...stupid at times! But it's really good!