Dogs of the Deadlands
on Goodreads (289)
What’s inside...
‘This book! It broke my heart and then splinted it back together again. Full of hope and love and wildness... Imagine Watership Down meets The Animals of Farthing Wood but fiercer.’ Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear Chernobyl 1986. Those left behind must fight to survive. The world is coming to an end. Dragged from her bed in the middle of the night and forced to leave her beloved puppy behind, Natasha has no idea if she’ll ever return home. Growing up in the shadow of the ruined nuclear power plant, pups Misha and Bratan need to learn how to live wild - and fast. Creatures with sharp teeth, scythe-like claws and yellow eyes lurk in the overgrown woods. And they’re watching the brothers… But will the dogs survive without humans? And can humans live without them? A devastating tale of courage, companionship and hope from the Carnegie award-winning author of Lark.
Discussion points
How do the dogs in the story demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity?
What do you think the dogs learned about friendship and teamwork throughout their journey?
In what ways do the characters in the book show compassion towards each other?
If you were in the same situation as these dogs, what would you have done differently?
Which dog character did you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reflections on the book to open up a dialogue, making sure to listen actively to your child’s perspective.
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons in the story, asking them how these lessons could apply to their own life.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explore the reasons behind their choice, deepening their engagement with the story.
Relate the book's themes to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Support your child to draw parallels between the teamwork exhibited by the dogs and instances where they have had to work in teams, be it at school or in sports.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The story follows a pack of dogs that, abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster, must learn to survive in harsh conditions. Their journey embodies perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing challenges without giving up, teaching them to be resilient in their own life difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The dogs must work together to overcome obstacles, illustrating how cooperation is crucial for survival.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate collaboration and seek support from others when tackling tasks or facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Compassion and caring
Explanation: The characters demonstrate care for each other within their pack, thus highlighting themes of empathy and friendship.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the value of caring for others and how empathy strengthens relationships in their community.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The dogs adapt to the drastically changed environment post-disaster, showcasing the importance of adjusting to new situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the necessity of being flexible and open to change, aiding their ability to navigate life’s unpredictable aspects.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The backdrop of the Chernobyl disaster emphasizes the impact of human activities on the environment and the resilience of nature.
Real-World Application: It raises awareness among children about environmental issues and promotes a sense of responsibility towards taking care of our planet.