Peg Kehret

I can just picture the author asking a room of kids what they wanted her to write about in her next book and hearing "Ghosts!" "Dogs!" "Secrets!" What's amazing is that she made them work together so well, for a story that teaches us good ways to help abused animals, and is an adventure with drama, humor, scary bits, and themes of family & friendship.

There's a knitting plan for cat blankets. Links to resources. Guidelines to incorporate citizenship lessons into the classroom that will actually enable children to make a real difference. A bit about how to recognize, and report, a meth lab. Respect for service people (father died in Iraq). A cue to discuss whether dogs are property, and therefore what's the difference between rescuing or stealing one.

Of more universal relevance is a bit when Rusty tries to get a different decision from his mother: "Sometimes it's best to keep my mouth shut and let Mom think things over. If I argued now, she might feel compelled to defend her original position, but if she had time to ponder the problem, she might decide [otherwise]."

I wish there was a new cover, as this one is just wrong.… (more)

An important book. Lots of information about how shelters, and families, can better care for dogs and help them be happy & successful. And of course the stories point out that there are many many mixed-breed dogs that would make terrific family dogs, even service dogs, and generally be a lot healthier than inbred 'purebred' dogs. Don't pay a breeder! Rescue, instead!!

And if you learn that utility workers in your community are authorized to use Mace, ask the hard questions about whether they're trained to avoid doing so.

I do wonder why the shelter didn't promptly bathe and groom Tipper & Tyler, though... certainly a clean dog is much more appealing to potential adoptive families. Of course some volunteer time etc. is needed for that chore, but I'd think it'd be worth it.

Anyway, lovely book... even if, like me, you'd never actually want a dog of your own!… (more)