A Dog for Life
on Goodreads (101)
What’s inside...
This is the true story of John Hawkins and his dog, Mouse, who embark on a journey to save John's critically ill brother, Tom. The doctors threaten to remove Mouse to prevent infection, but knowing Tom won't recover without her, John seeks a temporary home for Mouse. Despite their plans, they face unexpected challenges along the way. The story captures their deep bond and the lengths they go through to keep their family together during difficult times.
Age
10-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they found the dog? What would you feel in that situation?
Why is the dog important to the story? What changes does the dog bring to the main character's life?
Can you think of a time when a pet or a friend has helped you like the dog helps in the story?
How do you think the story would have changed if there was no dog?
What do you think is the main message of the story? How can we apply this message in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, relating the story’s themes to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine alternative scenarios within the story to develop their creative thinking. Highlight the importance of companionship and support, as depicted in the book, to nurture empathy and understanding in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of loyalty
Explanation: In 'A Dog for Life,' the protagonist demonstrates unwavering loyalty to his dog, navigating various challenges to keep them together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being loyal to friends and family, understanding that true loyalty involves support and dedication even during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases the young boy’s resilience as he faces both physical and emotional obstacles but continues to persevere to protect his pet.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that they can overcome challenges through determination and resilience, applicable in situations like moving to a new school or dealing with personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The book highlights the boy’s empathy towards his dog’s needs as well as understanding the emotions of those around him.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate of the feelings and circumstances of others, which can improve their social interactions and foster kindness.
Example Lesson: The impact of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'A Dog for Life', the friendship between the boy and his dog is central, depicting how friends can provide comfort and happiness.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children how building positive relationships can be a source of joy and support, enhancing their social and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various problems that he must solve creatively in order to keep his dog safe.
Real-World Application: Illustrates for children that problems can be tackled efficiently with creative thinking, encouraging them to find innovative solutions in their daily life, such as dealing with conflicts or managing schoolwork.