Customer Reviews

A Girl's Best Friend

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I found this book was really great with happy and sad moments Laurie Moss, who has been blind since birth, spends her time helping her dog, Jessie, since she's sick. She was determined not to give up on her bestfriend.

Although written about a 12-year-old girl, presumably for other pre-teens, this book presents several serious themes and adult issues. Although blind, Laurie considers herself capable around the house and at school. But things start to disintegrate when she enters middle school: her 12-year-old dog is in pain; her father may lose his job; a school bully makes her life miserable; and a new teacher does not know how to treat her with dignity. Gradually watching her self-confidence erode, young Laurie faces fears of death--for her pet and her beloved grandmother.

The story gets a bit preachy in places, as the author tries to incorporate many valid ideas to educate the public at large re the handicapped. Can the sighted learn from the blind? It's a rather heavy tale at times, but offers hope for creative conflict resolution. The Handicapped must be
proactive in an assertive but non-aggressive manner, and not expect Society in general to read their mind. Will someone dear to Laurie die, as she learns valuable lessons of life?