'Dog Sense: A Novel'        

[MAY 10, 2006]  ^"Dog Sense: A Novel," by Sneed B. Collard III, Peachtree Publishers, 2005, 176 pages, ages 9-13 years

Review by
Louella Moreland

Moving to a new school during the junior high years is always tough. Moving from a California school to a small school in Montana at this age is a culture shock. Sneed B. Collard III provides the reader with this very scenario in his new book, "Dog Sense: A Novel."

Guy Martinez knows the adjustment will not be easy when he and his mom move in with his grandfather after his dad leaves, but when faced with the school bully and a principal who already doesn't like him, it is more than he is prepared for on his first day at Big Sky Middle School. To top it off, he is late because his dog follows him to school!

Such an auspicious morning only continues to go downhill. An English assignment (Guy isn't keen on reading) and being put in the "slow" math class with the same bully begin weighing heavily on his hope for fitting into his new surroundings.

Guy does make an unlikely friend in another "outsider" named Luke. Luke really loves Guy's dog, Streak, a border collie mixed mutt who loves to run and play. Streak soon becomes the glue in their relationship, as Luke convinces Guy to enter his dog in the Frisbee-catching contest at the fall fair. Guy's decision is swayed when he learns that the school bully, Brad Mullen, is usually the champ in the contest. So begins the journey to acceptance in rural Montana.

As with many novels targeted to this age level, Guy is not pure "good." His emotions and conflicts are that of a normal early teenage boy, although he shows empathy to others more than most. Given the severity of the abuse by the school bully, Guy shows remarkable maturity in dealing with his nemesis at the conclusion of the book.

In fact, most of Guy's problems have a better-than-average resolution, which is the only drawback to the story. Neat endings and grownups who give advice that lead a teen to figure out the message for themselves are, in my experience, a rare breed. Skeptical as I may be, I like a happy ending. The neatness of the book's conclusion is not enough of a stumbling block to keep me from enjoying it.

Mr. Collard's writing flows naturally and swiftly, keeping the reader interested and at times on a cliffhanger of suspense. Action and inner emotions are balanced enough to satisfy, while language is well-engineered. For readers looking to find an entertaining animal story, or one that explores the pitfalls of new schools or exchanges with unpleasant classmates, this coming-of-age story will be a pleasant voyage. For those who may want a meatier novel, I would suggest James Howe's "The Outsiders," which has more gray area in the conclusion.

For either of these books, or ones with similar plots, come visit with us in the Youth Services Department at the Lincoln Public Library Annex, 725 Pekin St. We will help you find a book that fits your needs or taste.

[Louella Moreland, youth services librarian, Lincoln Public Library District]