This is a beautiful story told from the perspective of a stray dog named Squirrel. Ann M. Martin captures our hearts in the very beginning with the birth of Squirrel and her brother Bone in a wheelbarrow in an old abandoned gardening shed shared with cats and mice. Life begins for Squirrel in that shed and so do her adventures. As her story unfolds, we become aware of the goodness and the sorrow Squirrel faces as a stray, the people and other dogs who enter into her life and the masterful way she adapts to survival. Friendship gets her through!!
I love this book! It has been a long time since a book has made me cry, it was incredibly well written. The author speaks so sensitively to the needs and feelings of this poor little stray. Squirrel's story will tug at your heart from the first chapter.
I chose the book because of the cover! I adopted my border collie from the human society after she had spent time on the road alone. She was torn and tattered when I brought her home and 10 years later, she remains by my side!! Chloe is my Squirrel.
I think this story could be enjoyed by either boys or girls, in grades 4th through 7th. I feel like the story captures the essence of being rejected, being alone, being lost.....and being found. It is truly a story of strength and ultimately, friendship. It will be one I keep in my classroom library!!
No comments:
Post a Comment