REVIEW
Stella (Shadow Mountain, September 2022) is the story of a security service dog with trauma issues. Due to an error while sniffing out bombs at an airport, Stella’s handler was tragically killed in an explosion. Stella survived but is now afraid of everything. A kindly trainer takes her home and entrusts her to the care of her own daughter, Cloe.
Cloe suffers from epilepsy, but she and Stella form a bond of love and trust. Stella gets a chance to help protect Cloe when some unscrupulous neighbor boys light firecrackers and start a forest fire. When Cloe has a seizure and is in severe danger, Stella comes to her rescue. She finds a new purpose in being Cloe’s medical service dog as well as her friend.
I really enjoyed this book because the story was well paced and very exciting. The characters were both believable and relatable. I loved how the story was told from a dog’s perspective, but it was still easy to read and never got confusing. The book deals with some very serious and intense topics without sugar-coating them. It speaks carefully and thoughtfully about these issues.
The book was very sad. Although it does have a good and happy ending, the events described were quite serious, and might even be considered a little frightening for younger readers. It is important however for kids to understand these grown-up topics like death, illness, bullies, forest fires, emotional pain, and loss. I benefitted from discussing some of the issues the book brought up with my older siblings and my mom.
I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone who wants an engaging, easy-to-read story. Stella teaches many important lessons in words appropriately geared towards a younger audience. This book would also make an excellent read-aloud for a group discussion or with a trusted adult. The author includes some excellent questions for further discussion.
Josie Murdock is 10-years-old and lives with her family on a research farm in South Carolina. She is homeschooled and loves reading, drawing, and foxes. This is her first time writing a book review.
GIVEAWAY
I am giving away McCall Hoyle‘s debut lower middle grade through the July issue of Talking Story. To enter, please leave a comment with your name and email address or email me and I’ll enter your name. The giveaway ends July 28. PLUS: If you leave a comment here AND through the newsletter, I’ll enter your name twice! U.S. addresses only.
Congratulations to Dannielle Hammelef who won Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine.
PREORDER
As I mentioned before, authors really appreciate pre-orders!
Here’s the book trailer and a video of McCall speaking about empathy.
Make sure you check out other MG books on Greg Pattridge’s blog.
Thanks for the great review, Josie. I don't usually like stories told from an animal's POV, but this one sounds good. I'm going to pass on the giveaway.
Thanks, Natalie. I appreciate you taking the time to encourage Josie.
Sounds a lovely story, I love dogs and know they are truly a great gift to us! Thanks for a great review, Josie, you clearly have a talent for it, and I look forward to reading more reviews by you. :)
Thanks, Valinora, for encouraging my new young blogger!
Such a gorgeous cover — immediately grabs reader's attention, as does the storyline. It may be a tough book for tweens, but an important on to read because of the themes. I love sharing stories of healing on my blog. Please add my name to the giveaway!
Thanks, Patricia. You're in!
Great first review. Elliott has some serious competition here. Josie outlined the important points of the story and sharing those in a discussion with family is the perfect way to enhance learning. I've added this one to my future read list. Thanks for joining us on Marvelous Middle Grade Monday.
Thanks, Greg! Josie will be delighted to read your comment!!
Thanks Josie for sharing your take on this book! I am always so interested to find out which books kids really love. Dog stories have a special place in my heart.
Thanks for your comment, Andrea. We appreciate hearing from you.
I enjoyed reading your book review, and I liked hearing your opinion on the book as well as a synopsis of the plot. However, I'd like to opt out of the giveaway.
Thanks for your comment, Elliott.
I know I’m quite late to this, but I wanted to say-this was such a wonderful review! I hope to read “Stella” soon! (I have read some books by this author, but I haven’t yet read this one! I love dogs, and this seems like such a beautiful novel!)
Thanks, Josie. Good to hear from you!