From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7-This is the story of seventh-grader Diego, who raises a puppy to become a guide dog for the blind, and of Miss Kimberly Louise, a woman who loses her sight as the result of an automobile accident. Their paths meet when Diego presents Aloha to her after the animal's graduation from Guide Dogs for the Blind. This book does an excellent job of explaining the process of training guide-dog puppies, a topic that will fascinate many children. Unfortunately, the dialogue is often unnatural ("I think it's liberating not seeing an unkempt beard or a blemished face"), or just plain treacly ("My world is still filled with the same marvelous colors as before, but now I'm viewing them from a different perspective"). Character development is told instead of shown, particularly Diego's growing confidence through raising Aloha, and the story begins slowly due to long-winded descriptions. Despite these problems, the moving scenario will have readers sniffling as Diego passes Aloha's leash to Miss Kimberly Louise, and may even lead them to consult the appended list of resources to find out about raising their own guide-dog puppies.
Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, ColumbiaCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Attachment, dreams, unconditional love, and loss permeate the thrilling pages for pet lovers, children and adults. --
Mindquest, Fall, 2003 EditionFinely-crafted and compelling, this novel consists of alternating chapters focused on a preteen puppyraiser and his dog Aloha and the middle-aged newly blind woman who would eventually become Aloha's partner. Besides the fact that this book is such a good "read", this novel is a really accurate look at the fun, discipline, and emotional impact of puppy raising. --
Sally Rosenthal, Bay Region Barker, July 2004 Vol. 6, Issue 7Hello, Goodbye, I Love You is touching and inspiring. The reader will not only come away with a keen understanding of guide dogs and what it takes to raise them, but will also appreciate this heartwarming, sweet story. Kimberly Louise inspires readers with her courage. --Writers Digest 2006
Pamela Bauer Mueller has hit all the right notes in a story that informs as well as entertains. --
Cary Knapp, Coastal Illustrated Columnist/Librarian-Three Rivers Regional Library, Brunswick, GAPamela Mueller has captured all the emotions from all of us who play a part in a guide dogs life. --
Michael Hingson, National Public Affairs Representative, Guide Dogs for the BlindThe heartbreak of letting go and the joys of little miracles fill the pages of this compassionate story. Highly recommended. --
Small Press Bookwatch, Volume 2, Number 9 September 2003This book is a heartwarming story about friendship which is going to be as hot as the Harry Potter books! --
Bette Dennerline, Media Specialist, Highland Park Middle School, Beaverton, ORThis tender story about raising and training dogs for the blind should be required reading for all Lions Club members. --
Tommy Jenkins, Author/Past Golden Isles Lions Club President, GAWhat a fantastic book! It is well written with excellent pacing and makes a fascinating story. --
Georgeanne Irvine, Public Relations-San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
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