When 11-year-old Marty Preston chances upon a mistreated beagle pup in his hometown of Friendly, West Virginia, he is not prepared for the ethical questions he has to face. Should he return the dog to its owner, only to have the animal abused again? Should he tell his parents? Should he steal food to help the poor creature? Marty's efforts to cope with these questions provides the moral backbone for this story, which is presented in a language and manner that will be understood by third- and fourth-grade readers. The heart and beauty of this 1992 Newbery Medal winner lies in lessons children will take away with them.
Reviews:
Kaitlin (USA: VA) (2008/04/27): 11 year old Marty Preston enjoys spending time up in the hills behind his home near Friendly, West Virginia. However, this time he sees a young beagle on the road. Marty is sure that the dog is being abused by his owner. When the dogs shows up at Marty's house, Marty's parents tell him to take the dog back. The problem is...Marty just doesn't want to. He finally decides that he will do anything to save the dog from his abusive owner. He calls him Shiloh because he first spotted the dog past the old Shiloh schoolhouse. This is a very touching story about a young boy who will do anything to save his new friend. Very good read and a tear jerker!
