readertz's review against another edition
3.0
This is a simple story about Mattie Breen. Mattie is going to yet another new school. She is shy and has a hard time making friends. She'd rather hang out with her uncle and write in her notebook. Find out how Mattie's life changes with just a few small acts of courage. This book is a YHBA nominee for 2013-2014.
sandraagee's review against another edition
4.0
Shy kids must be difficult to write about since by their very nature they don't take chances or put themselves into difficult, "interesting" situations. But Linda Urban did it perfectly in this book. It was like looking at my 12-year-old self. This is a quet, character-driven story that is easy to read and will pull readers in.
katy_irene's review against another edition
3.0
Mattie Breen has a plan to avoid the no rules places in school. It doesn't quite work out like she thought it would.
There are a lot of things that worked for me like Mattie's voice, Urban's descriptive language, and the overall message. As a whole it wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped it would be. It was kinda muddled, boring, and awkward.
There are a lot of things that worked for me like Mattie's voice, Urban's descriptive language, and the overall message. As a whole it wasn't as satisfying as I had hoped it would be. It was kinda muddled, boring, and awkward.
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
I could so totally relate to Mattie's dillemma of wanting something to do at school so she wasn't just sitting alone! Loved her janitorial notes. Great story.
shighley's review against another edition
3.0
I certainly feel like Mattie's voice is definitely heard in this story, but I didn't feel like it said enough. When I was finished and thought back to all that had happened in the story, it wasn't much. I guess I want a little more action and plot in stories I read. This could be another case of hearing so many glowing recs for a book that there was a let down when I read it. It was nice to come across a story that had a seemingly nice, caring principal.
alusetti's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet story about a girl finding her way. Makes me think about what is Hound Dog True about kids I meet.
notneb's review against another edition
4.0
Read this along with Landis, who was assigned the book in his reading class. This was lovely and sparked lots of conversation about friendship and anxiety and the ways kids can be cruel or kind to one another.
abigailbat's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the characters and the language in this book. It will definitely speak to kids who are shy about letting their hound dog truths show.
Review: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2011/09/hound-dog-true.html
Review: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2011/09/hound-dog-true.html
krismarley's review against another edition
3.0
I've heard wonderful things about Linda Urban.. And don't get me wrong, she's a talented writer...think I started with the wrong title? Not sure if this coming-of-age story lacks punch or I'm growing tired of the formula (gasp!). Probably a combination of both.
amyoakley70's review against another edition
5.0
Cute book for middle readers about a shy girl learning what it takes to be brave.