Answers to Dog

Starred review from August 1, 2024
Grades 4-7 *Starred Review* Evan lives with his mom, who cooks variations of the same thing every night and only leaves the house for church on Sundays, and his dad, who gets lost making elaborate, finely crafted wooden figurines in his studio and prefers to be addressed only as Sam. Evan is, more or less, an average student with a fun group of friends, including Hana, who becomes especially helpful as the story unfolds. Meanwhile, Samarkand, the dog, is a resourceful border collie on the run from an alcoholic shelter owner who abuses him and all of his animal friends. When Samarkand finds Evan, they form an inseparable bond that, eventually, makes its way to Sam (the human) and finally to Evan's reluctant mother, a complex character who ultimately shines. Hautman's dialogue is razor-sharp and realistic, simultaneously portraying sadness and optimism, while the short, well-paced chapters keep the pages turning and make this difficult to put down. This quirky slice of rural life--told from time to time, most enjoyably, from the dog's perspective--is quietly full of deep emotion and perfect for any animal-loving middle-grader, especially one who enjoys track and field and a lovable pup to join them on their run.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2024
Two lonely souls -- one human, one canine -- find home in each other in Hautman's (The Rat Queen, rev. 11/22, and others) latest novel. Eighth grader Evan Dunn is known for being a bit gloomy. "You're such a sad sack," a friend asserts. "You think things are going to be bad all the time." Evan's world shifts when a mysterious white dog, later identified as Samarkand, starts appearing daily in his driveway. Eventually, Samarkand leads Evan to the rundown and mismanaged kennel from which he escaped; Hautman doesn't shy away from describing the abuse inflicted on the dogs living on the property. When an accident sends the kennel's owner to the hospital, Evan finds himself, alongside new friend Hana, responsible for the dogs left behind. Alternating between Evan's and the dog's perspectives, the narrative follows the pair as they learn to trust each other and discover new joy and meaning in their lives. Evan and Hana's compassion, as well as Samarkand's endless tail-wagging, inspire hope for dog lovers and all readers. Hill Saxton

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from August 19, 2024
A wily border collie shakes up a boy’s quiet life in this finely tuned, heartfelt novel by Hautman (The Rat Queen). Eighth grader Evan and his distracted parents lead a monotonous existence following a daily routine that includes a strictly regimented dinner menu and not much fun. He finds release in running, something that feels “effortless” to him, but when a white dog with two different-colored eyes and one black ear starts joining in his after-school jogs, Evan’s world expands in a multitude of memorable ways. Via Evan and the pup’s alternating POVs, Hautman weaves a slice-of-life tale populated by distinctively rendered characters living in a vividly described semi-rural backdrop. As the scrappy dog journeys through farm and wood, bolts across highways, and escapes capture by an animal control officer, Evan helps shut down an abusive, disreputable dog breeder, makes a new pooch-obsessed friend, and learns more about his mother and father as they rediscover their zest for living. True-to-life moments of humor and pathos further ground a story that’s sure to win attention from misfits and dog people of all stripes. Main characters read as white. Ages 9–12. Agent: Jennifer Flannery, Flannery Literary.

October 1, 2024
"The thing about dogs is, no matter what you want, there's a dog for you." Rural life was predictable for Evan Dunn until the white dog with the black ear appeared while he was walking to the bus stop one day. The stray border collie finds comfort in the 13-year-old's presence, avoiding the Man who drives the white van while he keeps pace with Evan on his after-school runs along roads lined by fields and trees. Evan's fascination with the dog gives him the courage to question adults, establish new friendships, and take calculated risks for the sake of canine companionship. Whether it's a dog in a kennel or a boy trapped within his solitary parents' routines, themes of neglect and isolation dominate the story, although the author's careful approach ensures that this heaviness is balanced by the presence of uplifting supporting characters, such as Hana Ganz, who's a dog enthusiast despite her allergies, and track coach Mr. Raley, who displays subtle kindness. The balance of the third-person limited narration between the perspectives of Evan and the dog makes this an enjoyable gateway book for readers who typically prefer stories featuring talking animals. Mentions of and brief scenes including animal abuse, although not graphically rendered, may be upsetting for sensitive readers. Most characters are cued white; some supporting characters are navigating health conditions. A boy-meets-dog story that evokes warmth and nostalgia.(Fiction. 9-13)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2024
Two lonely souls -- one human, one canine -- find home in each other in Hautman's (The Rat Queen, rev. 11/22, and others) latest novel. Eighth grader Evan Dunn is known for being a bit gloomy. "You're such a sad sack," a friend asserts. "You think things are going to be bad all the time." Evan's world shifts when a mysterious white dog, later identified as Samarkand, starts appearing daily in his driveway. Eventually, Samarkand leads Evan to the rundown and mismanaged kennel from which he escaped; Hautman doesn't shy away from describing the abuse inflicted on the dogs living on the property. When an accident sends the kennel's owner to the hospital, Evan finds himself, alongside new friend Hana, responsible for the dogs left behind. Alternating between Evan's and the dog's perspectives, the narrative follows the pair as they learn to trust each other and discover new joy and meaning in their lives. Evan and Hana's compassion, as well as Samarkand's endless tail-wagging, inspire hope for dog lovers and all readers.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)