Away to Me, Moss [Hardcover]

Betty Levin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Everything in Zanna's family seems to be on hold. Her father is far away. She lives with her sister and mother in a house that doesn't belong to them; all their furniture is crammed into one room and covered with sheets.

Is that why Zanna is drawn to Moss? He is a Border Collie, a working sheepdog whose life is on hold, too, since his owner was paralyzed by a stroke and cannot speak. No one else on the farm his time for Moss, so he is kept on a chain in the back of the old cow barn.

Zanna tries to befriend Moss, to free him and restore his spirit. But he cares only for his master, who can no longer respond to him. Both man and dog teach her about the power of trust and determination. But who has the power to keep Moss from being sold and sent away?

Betty Levin's answer comes as a welcome and totally satisfying surprise, and Zanna and Moss will find a warm place in the hearts of young readers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Zanna is drawn to Moss, the Border Collie penned up in the Catherwood's barn. And as she slowly learns how to train this dog for herding sheep, she also finds herself developing a bond with his owner, Rob, a stroke victim no longer able to work with his dog. Her affection for the two grows as she begins to understand Rob's attempts to communicate with her in order to help her train Moss. Then the news of her family's moving away threatens to tear Zanna's world apart and everything she has come to love. Levin shows great insight into the recovery process of stroke patients as well as the training of Border Collies. However, the novel is unfocused. A lengthy plot and unnecessary characters impede readers' involvement with the interaction between the girl, the dog, and the elderly man. And that basic story line is rich with complex emotions as each individual struggles to overcome barriers to gain a sense of trust and accomplishment in themselves and in one another. Young adolescents in similar situations could be inspired by the intentions in this enjoyable, but uneven novel.
Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-7. Life on Ragged Mountain is full of uncertainties for 10-year-old Zanna Wald. Her father is working far away. Her mother is tired and irritable from the strain of working, managing the household alone, and giving speech and physical therapy to veteran Border collie trainer Rob Catherwood, who's suffered a severe stroke. The relationship between Zanna and Moss, a Border collie of great promise, anchors the story. Frustrated by the abrupt end of his training and unable to comprehend why his master now sits almost lifeless in a wheelchair, Moss runs out of control around the farm and is kept chained in the barn most of the day. Zanna, caught by the dog's brooding, patiently earns his trust and gradually starts him working sheep again. Levin's expertly written story is textured by the compassion the well-developed characters feel for each other and their willingness to help one another through hard times. The end result is not a magically happy resolution but a realistic and satisfying hope for better times for all. Ellen Mandel

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (October 31, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688134394
• ISBN-13: 978-0688134396
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,557,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Kids book that adults will like, too!, April 24, 2003

By 

MaryAW "Animal Woman" (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Away to Me, Moss (Hardcover)

I think kids will like this book - but adults who love dogs will enjoy it too! As I read about Moss, I could see in him the same characteristics seen in other herders, especially one we fostered late last year (Barney!). The dog, the girl, and the supporting characters are all very realistically portrayed. I recommend it for kids who love dogs and adults, too.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Away to Me, Moss": A GREAT Book, July 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Away to Me, Moss (Hardcover)

"Away to Me, Moss" is a book for sheep dog lovers, pretty much, only. The book is centered around a little girl, a sheep dog, and a parylized man. The Rob cant take care of his sheep dog anymore, so Zanna must take care of Moss. Moss was a one man dog, but Zanna brakes him of that habit.