Shiloh

Colleen Emonds Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Reading Level: 8-12 years old. 4th Grade Publisher: Maxwell Macmillan publishing groups Newbery Medal winner 1992 ISBM: 9780689316142
 * Shiloh **

**Book Summary:** This is a book about a dog and a young boy. Marty is the boy in the book and he loves animals. Marty finds a dog that belongs to his mean neighbor Judd. Judd is not a very nice person and he is known as a mean guy around town, he is even known to abuse animals. Marty loves Shiloh-the dog, and is determined to do anything he can to make Shiloh his dog. After Marty returns Shiloh back to Judd, Shiloh returns later in the book. That is when Marty decides to keep Shiloh and then starts taking care of him. He is keeping it from his family and thinks it is the right thing to do because he feels that Judd is abusing Shiloh, so Marty thinks he is keeping him safe. Marty is in a constant struggle with Judd, and does not know what to do because he was taught to respect his elders. He is faced with a problem of doing what is right and standing up for his beliefs.

**Review:** I have not read this book since I was in 5th grade. I forgot how much I liked it. It pulls at the heart strings because I love my dog and I can't imagine anyone hurting him. I think this book was easy to relate to when I was in 4th grade because I was always begging my parents to get a dog for our family, and the answer was always no. I enjoyed re-reading this book!

**Analysis of Literary Element:** There is a subject matter in this book about standing up for what you believe in. As a young boy Marty had a hard time standing up for his beliefs because the person he was in turmoil with was older than him. This book defines the relationship between children and adults. Marty is respectful and cordial to Judd but he still has his strong beliefs. This is also a good book that shows that hard work and determination can get you anywhere. Marty wanted to become a veterinarian so bad, and was going to do anything he can. It said that he lived in a high poverty area and it was going to be hard to overcome his families hardships. Marty's determination shows us that you can do anything you set your mind to.