Alpha Dog (Paperback)

by Jennifer Ziegler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Gr. 8-11. Poor Katie! She seems to have no control over her life, especially when she's around her domineering mother. After her boyfriend dumps her on her birthday, she looks forward to a fresh start at a University of Texas summer college-prep program. To her dismay, however, a new set of controlling personalities takes over, including a retro-punk roommate. When Katie adopts an adorable, homeless mutt, she thinks she has found a true friend, but Seamus turns into a holy terror--barking, chewing, and chasing the landlady's cat. In despair, Katie tries an obedience school, where she is told to become the alpha dog. As Katie gradually gains control of Seamus, she wonders if she can also be the alpha dog with the people in her life. The dialogue is occasionally labored, and the problems are solved rather quickly, but this is a charmingly humorous romp. Dog lovers will like it, but other readers will speak for it, too. Lynn Rutan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Zippy and full of wit, Ziegler's work is engaging, touching and full of laughs.”–Rob Thomas, creator of Veronica Mars and author of Rats Saw God


From the Trade Paperback edition. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (July 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385732856
• ISBN-13: 978-0385732857
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,069,605 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Summer Read, July 17, 2006

By	M. E. Ford (Texas) - See all my reviews

I bought this book for a teen in my family. Decided to check it out first and couldn't put it down! This is a funny and touching book that young persons (plus the young-at-heart) and pet lovers will absolutely love. Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Veronica Mars will really enjoy this book. Loved it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Animal lovers---read this!, December 21, 2008

By	BAS "HS Teacher Librarian" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I laughed my way through this teen read about a teenage girl breaking free of her "helicopter" mom. Anyone who's trained a energetic, incorrigible puppy will howl as she attempts to manage her puppy, juggle classes, work, her roommate and her roommates boyfriend as well as his punk band members. Add in a cat-loving landlady who is mortified the puppy will injure her precious kitty and you have a romping story that will keep you in stitches.

5.0 out of 5 stars Animal Lovers Rejoice, June 19, 2008

By	Dana Stuart "Bookie" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just finished this book and I loved it! It was cool, fast read that had me actually laughing out loud! I loved that the setting was Austin, and the main character was easily identifiable. She grew a lot as a result of her adopting a dog from the animal shelter that did not turn out to be "perfect." It is well-written and humorous, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.