Lucky Dog: Twelve Tales of Rescued Dogs
A dozen dog-crazy authors, 12 stories of rescued dogs, and one busy animal shelter make up this collection of short stories sure to bring out the dog lover in anyone. The stories are varied in plot, narrative style, and tone, but they all end with a dog finding its one true owner. Stories like “Big Dogs” by C. Alexander London and “Like an Old Sweater” by Kirby Larson show a child who wants to fit in and the dog who makes that possible. In “The Heart Dog,” Elizabeth Cody Kimmel introduces a girl who is scared of dogs until she meets just the right one. All of the stories share plenty of heart and action, and most readers should know everything will work out well in the end. The reading level is good for independent readers who might not be ready for a full-length novel or advanced readers who need something more gentle. Pair this book with Waiting for Magic (2011) by Patricia MacLachlan for two heartwarming books about rescued dogs. Grades 3-5. --Tiffany Erickson