Red Dog [School & Library Binding]

Bill Wallace (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2002 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Set in the Wyoming Territory in the 1860s, this adventure story has a rapid-fire plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In the tradition of great dog stories, animals and people work together, good triumphs over evil, and there is peace at the end. Young readers will identify with the young hero and his courageous dog.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7 Twelve-year-old Adam and his family live in an isolated valley in the Wyoming Territory in the 1860s. Angry at having been forced to move from Tennessee and fiercely loyal to the memory of his dead father, Adam is an unpleasant boy whose step-father, Sam, insists that he behave responsibly. His manhood and courage are heavily tested when three thugs who want to stake a gold claim hold the family hostage while Sam is in Cheyenne filing a deed for the land. Adam escapes the cabin and leads two of the villains on a wild mountain chase during which he is both shot and knifed, the dog is badly injured, and the two villains are miraculously killed by a mountain lion. While there is a little allusion to real historical events of the period, and the characters are the stereotypes of genre fiction (including the strong silent trapper who has trouble expressing his feelings, unredeemingly evil antagonists, and solitary Indian) the magnificent setting and the rapid-fire pace of the plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In the tradition of great dog stories, animals and people work together, good triumphs over evil, and the family is reconciled and at peace in the end. Young readers will identify with the super-heroic Adam, feel his pain, and share his joy when his dog recovers. Historical and literary flaws will not be apparent to young readers caught up in this exciting story. Accessible language and the strong plot give the book special appeal to reluctant readers. Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

In the rugged Wyoming territory, the red pup is Adam's best friend.

Adam and his family live in a lonely cabin in the mountains, facing the dangers of the wilderness alone. One day, Adam's stepfather announces that he must leave for a week-long trip to Cheyenne. Adam is put in charge of the family. Everything goes smoothly until three cutthroat gold prospectors come crashing into the cabin and hold the family at gunpoint.

Late that night, Adam manages to escape. Unfortunately, the men let the red pup loose, and the one thing that dog does best is track Adam...Will the pup lead the men to Adam? And if he does, can Adam still save his family? --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 185 pages
• Publisher: San Val (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613644476
• ISBN-13: 978-0613644471
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,105,524 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action packed and kid friendly!, October 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Red Dog: Red Dog (Mass Market Paperback)

As an owner of a "red dog" myself, I was naturally attracted to the title. As a teacher I decided to read it to my class. Five years later I'm still reading it to my class. What a winner! The kids beg for more at the end of each chapter. But best of all, the book teaches heartwarming lessons about family love and responsibility. The messages the book sends are ones all kids can relate to and are touched by. Share it with a kid.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spell binding, October 21, 2004

By 

Laser Lady (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Red Dog (Paperback)

This book kept 27 grade 4/5 students at the edge of their seat. There were so many favourite parts. Some comments that were said: "Reading a great book at the end of the day, make you want to come back tomorrow." "I don't want to go home yet, read some more." Upon seeing the schedule for the day, "Yes! We read Red Dog first." This story is fantastic to read aloud. The word exciting doesn't do it justice.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As a class read aloud or literature study it's trememdous!, July 26, 1999

By 

K. Keefe "MooseRock!" (WY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Red Dog: Red Dog (Mass Market Paperback)

I have used this book in my grade four classroom for years. It never fails to get the same rave reviews from year to year. It is a wonderful novel with which to teach such literary elements as suspense, characterization, figurative language, and theme. The novel has several "discussable" themes to get students looking for reasons to support the feelings and actions of the characters.

One of my fourth grade students was moved enough by the story to seek out Bill Wallace's address and write to him. Undoubtedly the ultimate compliment to a very talented writer.