Smart Dog

Fifth-grader Amy Prochenko has never been the popular girl in school. In fact, the only thing she's really been, is made fun of, by fellow classmate, and resident popular girl Kaitlyn Walker, along with her group of cronies. But when Sherlock (also known as F-32) comes along, Amy's entire world flips upside down. With Sherlock (an escaped research laboratory dog looking to distance himself from a group of students who plan on dissecting his brain) by her side, Amy feels that the sky's the limit, and that she holds the power to do anything. For, you see, Sherlock is a talking dog. A smart dog. One who knows more than the average fifth grader - aside from some spelling problems. And without Amy's help, he won't be living for much longer. So Amy does what she promises: she takes Sherlock under her wing; and, with the help of two new friends, keeps his existence under wraps, while they determine what would be the best option for the runaway pooch. But when workers from the laboratory begin hanging around Amy and her pals, trying to get as close to the dog they named F-32 as possible, Amy realizes that she may have bitten off more than she can chew, and that the only way to salvage this problem will be to tell the truth. But now that Amy and her friends have gotten mixed up in so many lies, it's hard to go back now. Besides, Amy has found something special in Sherlock. Something she never thought she'd find. A best friend. And a sudden bout of popularity that really knocks her off her feet. As an animal rights activist, I love the fact that there are others out there who feel the need to bring animal rights issues into children's books, in an attempt to spread the word about dissection, cruelty at circuses, and more. Peg Kehret's SAVING LILLY wowed me a couple of years ago, but the subject matter of Vivian Vande Velde's SMART DOG has wowed me once again. While there is information regarding dissection, and research laboratory's, Velde has kept it at a minimal, and not allowed it to overshadow the overall story revolving around Amy and Sherlock. Sherlock is the best friend you've always wanted - smart, fun, friendly - and putting a face and a character to an animal up for dissection really makes the reader realize the seriousness of the subject. Amy, on the other hand, is a brave, intelligent, kind character; whose friendly nature, and overall loving attitude bring SMART DOG an extra ounce of compassion, and truly make the characters stand out. SMART DOG is a smart book choice for all animal lovers, that will leave its mark in your mind, and heart. Erika Sorocco Freelance Reviewer

This book is a scooby snack on each page.It starts out with a regular girl named Amy. One day she met named Sherlock who could talk! Later she finds out that Sherlock came from a science lab that wants to dissect his brain. The professer calls him F-32.He asks Amy for help and she says yes. Later that week the professor finds him. Will Amy have to let them dissect his brain? [name]

I thought this was a really good book, it is funny and exciting. I read it very quickly because I wanted to see what was going to happen next and I kept hoping they wouldn't find Sherlock. I thought that the story was unpredictable which made the book even more exciting. If Ms. Vande Velde writes another Smart Dog book I will read it!

I love animals and I've always wished that my dogs could talk. Amy is so lucky, I wish I had her luck!! Sometimes I wonder if talking dogs would talk often, but Sherlock didn't seem to speak non stop. I almost forgot he was a dog!!! I was mad when I read what Dr. Boden wanted to do to Sherlock, but in the end I was glad that Dr.Boden's boss decided that Sherlock was worth more to her. I'm very happy for Amy(I won't say what happens, so it won't ruin the story)!!!

This book is great i love it! It is about a shy girl named Amy who feels alone.She finds a dog named Sherlock that could talk they immediatly became friends.Sherlock belongs to a mean scientist who does experiments on him to make him smarter.Sherlock is running away and Amy hides him from the scientist.I won't tell you how it ends,but if you like dogs and mysteries you have to buy this book!!I would recommend this book to 4th,5th and 6th graders.Get this book and trust me you'll be happy with it!