Title: Not well-received by middle school son
Product review: "Oh nooo (groan), not another book where a kid or a dog dies!!," was the reaction from my 12-yr old son, when I gave him this book to read. Unfortunately for him, this book was the required summer reading for his 7th grade class. He unhappily slogged through it, but didn't enjoy it. After reading a few chapters myself, I have to agree. Although a well-written book, the underlying message is too similar to On My Honor, Sounder, Old Yeller, etc. (all of which my kids have had to read at some point). A kid causes the death of another kid, or a beloved dog dies, and the protagonist (usually a boy) has to learn to come to terms with death and/or the consequences of his actions. Give kids a break! Only make them read ONE book of this type; the message gets across the first time! This book might be preferable over the classics like Old Yeller or Sounder, because it is more current and today's kids can more readily identify with the characters.
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