Shiloh by Patricia Reynolds Naylor Date of Publication: 1991 ISBN: 0-440-40752-4 Number of Pages: 144

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Low/ Average
GENRES: Adventure
THEMES : Family – Loyalty - Good versus Evil – Coming of Age

SUMMARY:
Marty Preston is eleven years old, living with his loving family (mom, dad and two sisters) in poverty-stricken West Virginia. He is a compassionate person, with special affinity for animals. When he sees his neighbour, Judd, abuse one of his beagles, he realizes that he needs to protect the dog he names Shiloh. Shiloh escapes from Judd’s wrath and finds his way to Marty’s house. Marty constructs a pen in the hills near his house so his family does not find out about the dog. Marty risks the respect of his family and friends and lies to keep the dog safe from Judd’s torment…but will that be enough?

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
-loves animals
- is a reluctant reader
- likes a story with a happy ending

WHAT ELSE?
This is one of many books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, and it was chosen as winner of the 1992 Newbery Medal. There are also two sequels to the book, Saving Shiloh, and Shiloh Summer, as well as a movie version or two.


RELATED LINK:
http://eduscapes.com/newbery/92a.html