December 1, 2011
Gr 5-9-Inspired by the author's own troubled childhood, these novellas portray an unflinching look at children who have endured neglectful and abusive homes and are surviving on their own. The atmospheric first tale, "Man of the Iron Heads," is narrated by Jake, a boy of about 11, who hides from the local gang until he finds the courage to outsmart its violent leader. "Jo-Jo the Dog-Faced Girl" presents a lonely girl with three adopted dogs who finds acceptance in befriending a girl with leukemia. Finally, "Erik's Rules" celebrates the power of art and is told by Jamie, the younger of two homeless brothers, whose unstable existence changes after a chance encounter with a friendly volunteer at the animal shelter. By incorporating the solace found in dogs, art, libraries, and new friends into these tales of heartache and redemption, Paulsen provides his readers with hope of a better life.-Susan W. Hunter, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, VT
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2012
In each of the three stories collected here, characters struggle with issues of isolation, desperation, and poverty. Through human (and canine) connections and a love of art, young people find hope in the most dismal of surroundings. Paulsen's raw and honest style creates short but powerful tales of human suffering and triumph.
(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)