Told from the point of view of a border collie, readers participate in his desperate search for sheep and a loving owner. His life begins at a large sheep ranch but when a fire destroys the ranch, he is shipped off to a pet store where is adopted by a family with a girl who loves to dress him up. He quickly escapes that awful life to join Goat Man. Goat Man is traveling the west coast with his stinky goats and likens himself to a philosopher. In the months that follow the border collie experiences life with thieves and a cruel circus master. Despite his challenging and sometimes abusive circumstances, he follows the urge pounding in his heart to find a home with sheep and an owner who will love and respect him.
Points to discuss/warnings: On pg. 45 one thief
swears ("d" word). The circus master is
abusive and beats his animals if they do not obey. He beat one so badly the dog died. "Sparky" (the border collie/main character) experiences his cruelty and almost dies. The boys at the orphanage call Luke "Retardo" because he cannot read.
Guided Reading Level: R (beginning 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.3
Sequel:
Wolf (An entire book about Jack and his life with Luke on a sheep ranch.)
*Borrowed from the library.
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