Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Naylor, Phyllis R. Shiloh. Aladdin, 2000. ISBN 0689835825

Plot

Marty Preston is an eleven year old boy who lives in the small town of Friendly, West Virginia. While wandering in the hills near his house he finds a stray beagle . The dog follows him home so Marty, believing that he belongs to no one, takes him in as his own and names him Shiloh. Marty soon realizes that Shiloh already has an owner, Judd Travers. When Judd discovers that Marty has Shiloh he insists that he return him. Marty does not want to return Shiloh because he fears for the dog's safety after he realizes how he mistreats the many other dogs he has. When Marty is about to pay Judd a visit to try to convince him to let him keep Shiloh he witnesses Judd shooting a doe out of season, which would mean a heave fine Judd would not be able to afford. Marty attempts to blackmail Judd by threatening him that he will tell the police what he saw if he does not let him keep Shiloh. Judd and Marty eventually negotiate a deal where Marty will be able to keep Shiloh if he works for Judd for a month. When the month is about to end, Judd no longer wants to keep his end of the deal since as there no evidence of his crime and the contract that Marty had him sign is worthless in the state of West Virginia without the signature of a witness. Marty continues to work for Judd thinking that he would change his mind but does not. Marty has to take manners into his own hands but does not know how far he would go.

Critical Evaluation

This book is great for any individual who loves dogs. This movie is sad but worth reading for the happy ending. Judd is a character who at first you feel hatred for but later feel empathy for him. This book is well written for children due to its language use and interest plot. The format is easy to follow and entertaining.

Reader's Annotation

Marty Preston wants to keep Shiloh, an abused beagle, but Mr. Travers, the dogs owner, does not want to let go of Shiloh.

Information about the Author

Shiloh's story is an adaption of an experience that Phyllis had with a stray dog. Phyllis and her husband were walking and found an abused stray dog in a town called, Shiloh.

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties

English/Ethics

Booktalking Ideas

1) Discuss Marty's situation
a) What would they do?

2) Read excerpt from when Marty is thinking about taking Shiloh

Reading Level/Interest Age

8-12

Why included in selection?

I remember I read this book when I was in 6th grade and crying. This story has always stayed with me.