Shiloh

Review by Edan
Title: Shiloh
Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Published: 1991
Publisher: Atheneum

Quick Summary:
Young Marty lives in West Virginia and has always wanted a pet. One day he finds a small, shy and timid beagle in the woods, falls in love with him and takes him home, naming him Shiloh. He finds out it is really Judd Travers' new hunting dog and return Shiloh to Judd. Marty comes across Shiloh again and decides to keep him in secret, where Judd can't starve and kick him for running off. Things get tuff as Marty struggles to keep his secret and soon it slips out. It is up to Marty whether he has enough will to stand up to Judd and keep Shiloh forever.

Review:
I really liked the short, beautiful tale. I love animals and can relate to Marty in many ways. I don't know what I would do if I found Shiloh in the woods, but 11 year old Marty was really brave to stand up to Judd. In the beginning, it was a little hard to understand because it was written in first person and he wrote with an accent. Eventually it was fine. The story is not really that slow. It is so short that is fits everything in and has no lapses. If you like adventure, this book is not for you. But if you like real life stories about kids or if you like animals, you would probably enjoy this book. It is short and sweet and is one story about a boy and dog that has a happy ending.

Rating:****