Book Review: The Puppy Sister
Rated by 2 members
What Parents Should Know
Powerful message of how family love overcomes sibling
rivalry. The few illustrations are perfect for this well-told
story. Reading level and content make it a great read-alone,
even for reluctant readers.
Common Sense Media Review
S. E. Hinton, known for her powerfully dramatic,
no-punches-pulled looks at the rougher aspects of teenage
society, has changed her perspective. Her first novel for
middle-grade readers, unlike her dark and devastating teen
novels, is an effervescent delight.
Hinton manages an astounding balancing act. In simple, easy-to-read language she tells a story that is so funny and involving that one class of third-graders literally squealed with pleasure as it was read to them. Yet her theme is a serious one, all too rare in contemporary fiction, of the transformative power of the love of one's family. And, strangely enough in this oddball fantasy, she does this while keeping Nick and Aleasha's relationship so realistic that children recognize it right away.
The essence of this laugh-out-loud, exuberantly enchanting book is perfectly captured in the black-and-white illustrations by Jacqueline Rogers. She shows Aleasha at various stages of her transformation in a style that radiates both humor and warmth. The front and back covers, showing Nick and Aleasha dancing together for sheer joy, sum up the spirit of this hilarious, subtly poignant story of family love.
Easy to read but appealing to all ages, it is perfect for young readers, but it also makes a surefire family read-aloud. Hinton has found a whole new devoted readership.
From the Book:
"Aleasha?" Nick's voice changed. "Did you nod?"
He smelled surprised. I looked at him.
"And--And--" he stammered, "you won't do this again,
will you?"
I shook my head. ...
"Aleasha, do you understand everything I'm saying?"
I nodded and jumped into his lap. I licked his face.
"Wow!" He held my head and looked at me. "You must be the
smartest dog in ... Aleasha, are you turning into a human?"
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