Monday, September 26, 2011

Little Joe by Sandra Neil Wallace-OPTIONAL

Wallace, Sandra Neil, Little Joe. Alfred A. Knopf, 2010. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

When the newest bull calf, Little Joe, is born at Windswept Farms, Eli and his father don’t see eye to eye. As Eli trains the calf and gets him ready for the big fair, he realizes he is getting attached to the animal. If he sells the calf at the fair, Little Joe is meaty and is likely to be turned into beef. His father says the family needs the money, but Eli doesn’t want to lose his friend. Will Eli be able to make his father see his point of view and be able to keep Little Joe?

A touching story about a boy and his dog without the dog. The characters are one-dimensional and the plot is slow and thin in places, but the cheesiness makes it a fairly decent book. It’s not fast enough for a reluctant reader, but animal fans might enjoy reading it. EL (4-6). OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.



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