Soldier Dog
on Goodreads (1,094)
What’s inside...
Book by Sam Angus; With his older brother gone to fight in the Great War, and his father prone to sudden rages, 14-year-old Stanley devotes himself to taking care of the family's greyhound and puppies. Until the morning Stanley wakes to find the puppies gone. Determined to find his brother, Stanley runs away to join an increasingly desperate army. Assigned to the experimental War Dog School, Stanley is given a problematic Great Dane named Bones to train. Against all odds, the pair excels, and Stanley is sent to France. But in Soldier Dog by Sam Angus, the war in France is larger and more brutal than Stanley ever imagined. How can one young boy survive World War I and find his brother with only a dog to help?
Age
9-12
Length
279 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Stanley
Stanley'S Father
Discussion points
How do you think Stanley felt when he found Soldier and what does this tell us about his character?
What are some ways that the dogs in the story show bravery and loyalty?
If you were in Stanley's shoes, would you have made the same decisions? Why or why not?
How do the themes of friendship and sacrifice in 'Soldier Dog' relate to your own life experiences?
What did you learn about the role of animals in history from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, introduce the historical context of World War I to help your child understand the setting.
Ask your child to predict the outcomes of major decisions in the book, then discuss whether their predictions were right or wrong as you read.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and events in the story, validating their emotions and drawing parallels to their own life.
After finishing the book, ask your child to think about any modern-day lessons that can be derived from Stanley's story and discuss how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Consider watching a documentary or looking at photos of war dogs with your child to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the themes discussed in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty
Explanation: The bond between the protagonist, Stanley, and his messenger dog demonstrates unwavering loyalty as they navigate the harsh realities of war together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of standing by their friends and family members during challenging times, strengthening their relationships.
Example Lesson: The impact of courage
Explanation: Stanley shows great bravery in perilous situations, which highlights how courage can lead to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to face their fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, standing up to a bully, or dealing with a difficult situation at home.
Example Lesson: The consequences of war
Explanation: Through the experiences of Stanley and his dog, the story portrays the emotional and physical toll of war, thus providing a nuanced understanding of its impacts.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy for those who live in conflict zones and raises awareness about the importance of peace and conflict resolution.
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Despite facing numerous setbacks, Stanley persists and adapts, which underscores the theme of resilience throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply resilience in their own lives by not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether in academics, personal goals, or interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Companionship and its emotional support
Explanation: The companionship between Stanley and his dog provides mutual emotional support and comfort through their shared hardships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of caring for pets and how animals can be a source of comfort and support during tough times.