A review by morganperks
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Man, I am just knockin' out these middle-grade books today. How to Steal a Dog would be another splendid choice for a read-aloud. I enjoyed it, and I think students would as well. The ending felt a little rushed and unresolved. I wouldn't have minded a few more chapters to address Georgina's problems at school and her lying to her mom. I did find the sibling and parent relationships realistic and something my students could relate to their lives.

Side Note: I know I teach at a pretty small school, but we like to keep tabs on students' housing situations, so I find it strange that her teacher was so clueless. Even worse, how did the school not call Georgina's mom when she skipped school???
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