Coyote Autumn - Hardcover

Wallace, Bill

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823416283 ISBN 13: 9780823416288

Publisher: Holiday House, 2000

Synopsis

"You Can't Keep A Coyote!

They're Wild...."

Brad has always wanted a dog, so when he catches the little coyote, he decides to keep it. He couldn't have a dog when his family lived in a Chicago apartment, but now that they've moved to rural Oklahoma anything seems possible. Even rescuing an orphaned coyote pup...and keeping it a secret from his parents. With his friend Nolan's help, Brad is determined to tame Scooter, train him, play with him, and hide him in an old dog pen behind the barn. It almost works...until Mom and Dad discover his secret ― and Scooter steals their hearts and gives them all a coyote's-eye view of what it's like to live in the dangerous world of men.

About this title

About the Author

Award-winning author Bill Wallace started writing after a tough year of teaching fourth graders. As he says, “Trying to read to a class of 25 kids who aren't listening is downright MISERABLE. Finally, students asked me to tell stories about when I was growing up. I soon ran out of these, so they decided I should make up new stories. I became a writer so I could survive my first year as a teacher. The class loved the stories I wrote for them and persuaded me to get somebody to make us a real book.” Shadow on the Snow, Trapped in Death Cave, and A Dog Called Kitty all started out as books for his students. However, it took ten long years for his first book (A Dog Called Kitty) to be accepted for publication. Since then, this former elementary-school teacher has written over 25 books and won numerous awards. Other favorites include: Red Dog, Buffalo Gal, Danger in Quicksand Swamp, Beauty, Aloha Summer, Watchdog and the Coyotes, and Coyote Autumn.

Wallace was born on August 1, 1947 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He is married to Carol Ann Priddle (who also taught elementary school) and has three children, Laurie Beth, Amanda Nicole, and Justin Keith. He attended university and graduate school in Oklahoma. 

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-Observing the local coyote pack appeals to 12-year-old Brad, who has just moved from suburban Chicago to Oklahoma. However, local hunters who used to kill wolves in the area are now using their dogs to wipe out the only prey left-the coyotes. When he witnesses an attack on a coyote family, he rescues the only survivor, a pup, and hides it from his family, training and caring for it. On his birthday, Brad's father gives him a bird dog, and the jig is up. However, when the coyote becomes a better soccer player than Brad's older sister, the entire family is charmed. When a hunter shows up again, Brad risks his life to save his pets, but it becomes more and more obvious that the wild animal needs to be free. The boy's decision to take Scooter to a wildlife refuge is anguishing for him, and it isn't until autumn that he realizes the wisdom of his act. Wallace has developed some engaging and realistic characters. Brad is an honorable young man and his loyalty to and love for the coyote is finely drawn. The man who allows his dogs to tear apart the coyotes is truly remorseful at endangering Brad. Wallace has written a book that displays his talent for creating true-to-life young people and the lessons that they learn from nature. A great choice for all animal lovers.
Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0823416283
• ISBN 13: 9780823416288
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208