How to Steal a Dog

O'Connor, Barbara

ISBN 10: 0606143580 ISBN 13: 9780606143585

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 2009

Synopsis

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Desperate to hold her struggling family together, Georgina persuades her younger brother to help her in an elaborate scheme to get money by stealing a dog and then claiming the reward that the owners are bound to offer.

About this title

About the Author

BARBARA O'CONNOR is the author of several notable books for children, including Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia and Me and Rupert Goody, an ALA Notable Book. She was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, and now lives in Duxbury, Massachusetts.

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 3-7– Georgina and her family have been living in their car since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment. Mama is working two jobs to earn rent money and trying hard to hold things together. Desperate to help out, Georgina decides to steal a dog for the reward money, laying out the details of her plan in a diary. However, the dog's owner can't afford to offer a reward, and Georgina ends up feeling sorry for the lonely woman. The girl also makes friends with another adult named Mookie, a kindhearted wanderer who is camped out at the abandoned house where she is keeping the dog. He shares his wisdom and offers help, whether she wants it or not. Georgina's narrative is honest and deeply touching, as she recounts how she and her brother try to survive their circumstances. Washing off in a gas station restroom and turning in grease-stained homework become fairly normal occurrences. Readers will identify with the agony and the embarrassment caused by being different, as well as Georgina's struggles with her conscience. The book's endearing humor smoothes out the more poignant moments, and the unfolding events will keep youngsters totally engaged. The gem in the story is Mookie, who manages to sparkle even when sadness threatens to devour the moment. Though set inside a heavy topic, this novel's gentle storytelling carries a theme of love and emphasizes what is really right in the world.–Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL
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About this edition

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0606143580
• ISBN 13: 9780606143585
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192