I just finished reading one of the best books, DogTown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, and had to share my excitement.
It’s friendship, bravery, loss, humor, and heart. Oh, is it ever heart.
“Your heart is a muscle,” I told Mouse at dinner that night. “It grows stronger the more you use it.”
Chance is a dog in a shelter. How he got there is complicated. He has to make friends, learn how to live, and get along with the new electronic ‘robot dogs’. Everyone who comes into the shelter seems to prefer them over real dogs.
When the Reading Buddies from school make their weekly visit, Chance is never picked. Quinn, one of the kids, just can’t find the right dog or the right book – until he discovers Metal Head, one of the robot dogs. Metal Head can read, and he reads aloud Green Eggs and Ham, which becomes life-changing for Quinn.
The shelter has many interesting dogs, with characters as big as life, and also a mouse.
When Metal Head is convinced he can find his family, he plans an escape with the help of Chance and Mouse. Finding his family is truly life-altering, and plants seeds of doubt. Chase and Mouse try to rally Metal Head. It comes down to heart – which will grow stronger the more it is used. So, does an electronic robot dog have a heart?
The arc of the story begins here. Chance has quite a journey, physically and emotionally. Can he try to find his home? How will he get there?
It’s complicated. It’s wonderful. It’s emotionally packed in the best of ways, laced with humor and excitement. It’s life’s ups and downs, and of course dogs. It’s a beautifully written story.
Jennie
P.S. Picture book recommendations tomorrow.
A Teacher's Reflections 
I am going to request it at my library, Jennie. Thanks for your ongoing recommendations! And welcome back to another school year…
You won’t be disappointed! Thanks, Will. The school year is off to a great start. The children are young, but they love books, music, art, and nature. That’s as good as it gets. I hope all is well with you. 🙂
Hurrah for a good start! I am well and looking forward to my classes starting on Monday…
I loved it too, Jen – as did my grandsons! There is a sequel due out this month, Mouse and His Dog. Can’t wait!
I’m so glad! My dear teacher friend has already ordered me the sequel. Can’t wait!
Oh, this does sound good! I’d love to read a book from a shelter dog’s point of view.
You know how picky I am, Liz. Yes, you will love this book, especially from a shelter dog’s perspective. There is a sequel soon, too.
Sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks, Jennie!
It is! Thank you, Wynne.
thanks for this recommendation, Jennie. it sounds like one I’d love!
I love how much you loved this book. I have a copy of this one as well, and hoped to read it with my grandson, but they have gone back home. It sounds wonderful.
Thanks for this, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Anneli.
Gennifer Choldenko is one of the authors coming to our author festival. I recently finished her new middle grade book The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman. Hank is a terrific character. It’s one of the better books I’ve read this year.
That’s so exciting! She must have been over the moon to co-author a book with Katherine Applegate. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Thanks for the Hank book recommendation. I’m really looking forward to hearing about your author festival. Best to you, Pete.
Sounds great, and an unusual idea to include robot dogs in the story. That brings it right up to date with modern technology.
Best wishes, Pete.
You are right, Pete. This old dog here wasn’t sure she’d like the robot dog inclusion, but I was wrong. Very wrong. Many thanks.
That sounds really good Jennie, you make me want to read it!
It is SO good, FR! Many thanks.
This sounds like a heartwarming story, Jennie. Thanks for letting us know about it.
Thank you, Dan. It’s a winner.
I find I am not beyond reading a children’s book myself!
I’m glad to hear you say that. Honestly, it is not ‘just for children’, and very good. Best to you, GP.
A good story, with a dog in it is right up my alley. I’m ordering it.
Yes!! Please let me know what you think. I’m still over the moon about this wonderful book.
The story is beautiful. Children will find it great to read such stories.
Thank you, Kamal! 💕
Always welcome dear Jennie 🙏