erinj254's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was kind of boring and drawn out, so I'd give it two stars. Since I'm not the target audience, and my 9-year-old would beg me to read "one more chapter," I'll throw in a third.
vibingjaren's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Bullying
lbailey's review against another edition
5.0
What a fantastic book. How to Steal a Dog is told from the first person perspective of Georgina, a young girl who’s family has recently become homeless. She comes up with a plan to steal a dog, and then when the owner posts reward signs she’ll return the dog and collect the reward money. She plans to give the money to her mother to help with finding a new place to live.
The book does not sugar coat. Georgina, her little brother Toby, and their mother live in their car. They wash up in gas station restrooms and eat whatever their mother can scrounge up between her low paying jobs. Georgina is picked on at school, her best friend stops speaking to her, and her classmates clearly notice her rumpled and dirty clothes and matted unwashed hair. Her mother expresses her despair and Georgina lashes out. Some parts are TOUGH.
But this book has opened my kids eyes to what homelessness means, and that people are struggling with things all the time that we know nothing about.
The book does not sugar coat. Georgina, her little brother Toby, and their mother live in their car. They wash up in gas station restrooms and eat whatever their mother can scrounge up between her low paying jobs. Georgina is picked on at school, her best friend stops speaking to her, and her classmates clearly notice her rumpled and dirty clothes and matted unwashed hair. Her mother expresses her despair and Georgina lashes out. Some parts are TOUGH.
But this book has opened my kids eyes to what homelessness means, and that people are struggling with things all the time that we know nothing about.
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
Georgina was an ordinary girl living and ordinary life until her father leaves the family. The family is forced to live in a car while her mother works two-three jobs trying to save enough money for an apartment. A lost dog poster gives Georgina and idea that will hopefully get them out of her families car and back into an apartment. Georgina is just one stolen dog away from returning to the life she once lived. Georgina learns that stealing a dog isn't as easy as it looks and the complications and consequences can be severe. This book discusses homelessness, friendship, and morals.
andreareads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nonime's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5