Dog Called Kitty

I heard of this book and wanted to check it out for a bookclub for 4th and 5th graders. After checking out some on-line reviews, many of which were from people who read it when orginally published in the 80's, I decided to use it. What impressed me most about the reviews was that the people who read it back then remember it making a big impression on them and couldn't wait to share it with their children. I have several books I feel that way about so figured if it had such a strong impression it would be worth a shot. It turned out to be a good call. Most of the children finished it and almost all really liked it. We had a discussion about the fear the main character had of dogs and fears they have. Mnay of them felt a lot of different emotions throughout the book and although it had some diffecult scenes they really liked how the story unfolded and the end of the story.

I remember reading this book over and over again when I was a pre teen, and I still remember almost everything about it (I'm 26 now). In fact, this was probably my favorite book. A tale of a boy and his dog...and what they have to do to a). get to like one another, b). form their strong bond, and c). protect one another against almost anything. Great, great book for anyone!

I remember reading this book perhaps 10 years ago, and that cute innocent puppy on the cover. My mom had had several dogs and I had just gotten a Shih Tzu named Fluffy. He looked like my dog! It's hard to remember exactly what happened, but there was a soccer field, and some bullies, and he had to behave like one of them or be hurt himself. He was already hurting, and I very much identified with the coming-of-age understanding with quite literally, the underdog. I have always had mild cerebral palsy, preventing me from walking normally and requiring me to always act more grown-up. I never really had a childhood, but this book affected me greatly, its pages, its changes, and taught me a little bit about returning to a wise innocence. That it is okay to cry and laugh and to be vulnerable. I have always had problems with girlfriends and the usual social problems, but I have always loved dogs.

A boy named Rick is attacked by a mad dog when he is a baby and never forgets it. Years later a small dog comes out of the barn. Rick is terrified. He has to face his fears or the dog will starve to death. I read this book 2 years ago and I can still remember the whole book. Bill Wallace makes you feel like you are right next to Rick threw the whole book. I could not put the book down and finished it in the middle of the night. This is one book you have to read! I am a huge Bill Wallace fan and I think you will be one too.

I first read this book 17 years ago (!!), when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade; to this day the book remains one of my absolute favorites! Each time I pick it up to re-read it, I begin crying earlier and earlier into the story, and have to put it down now and then to get control of my emotions! It's one of those books you just want to share with everyone else! Definitely a 10!!