Play Book Tag discussion

While out roaming his family property in rural West Virginia, 11-year-old Marty Preston finds a young beagle cowering in the bushes. At first the dog would have nothing to do with the stranger but Marty's persistence won out and the beagle was soon licking Marty's hand and wagging his tail. Marty brings the dog home with him but his father knows that the dog belongs to a neighbor, Judd Travers. Marty pleads with his father to let him keep the pup as he knows that Travers abuses his animals but Mr. Preston states that the dog belongs to Travers legally no matter how he treats it. A heartbroken Marty and his father return the dog to Travers but within a few days the dog has found its way back to Marty. Knowing he cannot return the dog, which he now calls 'Shiloh', to Travers again without the dog being severely punished, Marty decides to hide the dog from everyone. How long can he keep the secret of Shiloh and what will be the consequences when his father, and worst of all Travers, finds out the truth?

What a great children's story this is. I know it is a short book, but I just tore through it wanting to know Shiloh and Marty's fates. The animal abuse is difficult and I can't imagine having to explain that to a young reader. Marty's love for the dog and his determination to do what is right are great messages for readers of any age.

I've never read this one, but it does sound like a real tear jerker!

Here in Baltimore, there is a non profit that goes into schools in the inner city and teaches children about proper treatment of animals . . .apparently, they've seen plenty when it comes to animal abuse.

I read this aloud to my son many years ago. We both loved it and he went on to read other books by Naylor (as did I.) I didn't think the animal abuse was too difficult - I'm guessing my son was late primary school. The two kids and I did volunteer walking dogs once a week at the local shelter so they probably were more aware than many children.