Martha Speaks: Shelter Dog Blues
Martha Speaks Readers Series
on Goodreads (84)
What’s inside...
Martha has lost her collar and ended up at the local animal shelter. It falls to her to organize a pound break for all her new doggy friends but she soon discovers freedom isn't much without a family. When Martha's owner finally comes to take her home, she realizes that she can't leave her shelter friends behind. Martha, Helen, and her friends cook up a spectacular plan--Wagstaff's first Top Dog Show--to find families for all of the pound pooches! The book will include a cast of characters introduction and two pages of word-fun activities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Martha
Helen Lorraine
Discussion points
How do you think Martha felt when she was at the shelter, and how did her feelings change throughout the story?
What are some ways we can help animals like Martha who don't have homes?
Why is it important to have empathy for animals, and how can we show it in our daily lives?
What did you learn about friendship from Martha's interactions with other characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child’s feelings by sharing your thoughts on Martha's emotions and experiences, creating a relatable discussion.
Encourage your child to think about local animal shelters and discuss ways to support them, such as volunteering or donating.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding Martha's feelings in the book can help us be kinder to animals and people.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In the story, Martha, a talking dog, shows concern for her fellow shelter animals, highlighting the need for empathy towards those in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding and addressing the feelings and needs of others, whether it's helping a friend in need or caring for pets.
Example Lesson: Importance of Helping Others
Explanation: Martha actively seeks ways to help her friends get adopted from the shelter, demonstrating the value of taking action to assist others.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in community service or simple acts of kindness, like helping a sibling or classmate.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite her own challenges being in a shelter, Martha remains optimistic and resourceful, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain a positive attitude and keep trying even when faced with their own hardships or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Martha collaborates with other dogs to improve their chances of adoption, showcasing the effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can be reflected in a child’s life by encouraging them to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Voice and Advocacy
Explanation: Martha uses her unique ability to speak to advocate for herself and other shelter animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their own voices to stand up for themselves and advocate for others who might not be able to do so.