NZ Intermediate School Librarians discussion

A story about bravery and guilt and grief. And the redeeming powers of having someone or something to love.
A boy (whose name we never learn) and his mother are doing it tough - his mother has just had to chop up their bed legs for firewood so they can stay warm. The boy has been unable to talk to anyone for some time, not even his mother. He can talk aloud to himself or to animals - but gets "stuck" with people. By the end of chapter 2 we also know the boy has courage, determination and a good heart, as he faces a life & death situation.
At 82 pages, this gripping short story will be great for reluctant readers and it will also make a perfect read aloud.

A Different Dog is also a different style of writing from Paul Jennings, well known for fantasy stories with a twisted tale ending. This long short story about a selective mute boy, (possibly bought on by a previous traumatic incident involving beloved pet dog) makes a daring rescue of a circus dog. This book will appeal to the reluctant reader who prefer high-interest low ability reads. I agree with Jane it will make a good read-aloud. Be prepared to purchase more than one copy.