Raising Readers

Parents who encourage and successfully develop children who read see greater school success and satisfaction.  This series reviews various examples of children’s literature and provides insights for parents to discuss with their children.   Reading and sharing the wonderful stories available to children sends a message that reading is important, creates positive “shared experiences” for families, and helps parents exert a subtle influence on their children’s development.

Marty Preston is 11 years old and lives with his family in rural West Virginia.  As he plays in the woods near his home one day, he comes across a beagle puppy that is so thin and skittish, Marty realizes the puppy is being abused and thinks the puppy belongs to their neighbor, Judd Travers.  Nevertheless, Marty returns the puppy to Jud, but becomes upset when Judd kicks the puppy over to his pen.  Walking home after this unhappy event, Marty remembers a time when he discovered the carcass of another dog close to Jud’s property that had been shot in the head. 

Shortly after, Marty finds the beagle in the woods again.  This time, Marty names the puppy Shiloh and decides to keep him as his own secret pet.  He knows his parents would insist on returning Shiloh to Jud even though everyone knows Jud is rough and mean.  So, he makes a pen at the edge of their property in the woods and cares for Shiloh the best he can.  The story is told in the first person  and the reader becomes part of Marty’s conflicting thoughts of preventing more abuse tof Shiloh vs. lying to his family and friends, having to remember what lie he told to which person, and giving Shiloh food he takes from the family even though he knows that his parents eat less so the children can have enough.

The cover-up comes apart when a big dog jumps into the pen and hurts a defenseless Shiloh.  Marty has to take Shiloh into town for care, and the news spreads.  Marty has to confront his parents, other adults, and Jud who has been looking for his escaped dog.  He shows enough pluck to work out a deal with Jud that no one really likes, but everyone accepts.

This story is a nice introduction for young readers of how people can be faced with conflicting morals (“tell the truth” vs. “give proper care to pets”).  Depending on reading level, this story is for 8 year olds and up.       

Raising Readers is written by Steve Arnold of Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services.  He can be reached at 610.831.5101 or ChesMontClubZ@gmail.com.  Find out more about Club Z! In-Home Tutoring at www.clubztutoring.com/ChesMont.