★ 08/19/2024

A wily border collie shakes up a boy’s quiet life in this finely tuned, heartfelt novel by Hautman (The Rat Queen). Eighth grader Evan and his distracted parents lead a monotonous existence following a daily routine that includes a strictly regimented dinner menu and not much fun. He finds release in running, something that feels “effortless” to him, but when a white dog with two different-colored eyes and one black ear starts joining in his after-school jogs, Evan’s world expands in a multitude of memorable ways. Via Evan and the pup’s alternating POVs, Hautman weaves a slice-of-life tale populated by distinctively rendered characters living in a vividly described semi-rural backdrop. As the scrappy dog journeys through farm and wood, bolts across highways, and escapes capture by an animal control officer, Evan helps shut down an abusive, disreputable dog breeder, makes a new pooch-obsessed friend, and learns more about his mother and father as they rediscover their zest for living. True-to-life moments of humor and pathos further ground a story that’s sure to win attention from misfits and dog people of all stripes. Main characters read as white. Ages 9–12. Agent: Jennifer Flannery, Flannery Literary. (Oct.)

Modest yet profound, Answers to Dog resonates like some kind of gentle reminder from the universe that life is worth chasing. A timeless tale of a boy and his dog that reaches deep for the heart.
—G. Neri, a Michael L. Printz Award winner and author of Concrete Cowboy

Once again, Pete Hautman has proven that we readers are mere putty in his hands and that, in fewer than two hundred pages, he can shape us into joy, grief, bemusement, fear, and delight. A Rumpelstiltskin of an author, who takes the straw of everyday life and spins it into storytelling gold.
—Barry Lyga, New York Times best-selling author

Hautman’s dialogue is razor-sharp and realistic, simultaneously portraying sadness and optimism, while the short, well-paced chapters keep the pages turning and make this difficult to put down. This quirky slice of rural life—told from time to time, most enjoyably, from the dog’s perspective—is quietly full of deep emotion and perfect for any animal-loving middle-grader, especially one who enjoys track and field and a lovable pup to join them on their run.
—Booklist (starred review)

True-to-life moments of humor and pathos further ground a story that’s sure to win attention from misfits and dog people of all stripes.
—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

Evan and Hana’s compassion, as well as Samarkand’s endless tail-wagging, inspire hope for dog lovers and all readers.
—The Horn Book

A boy-meets-dog story that evokes warmth and nostalgia.
—Kirkus Reviews

Pete Cross's youthful timbre renders the limited experience of a boy named Evan, who seems largely forgotten by his self-involved parents. Cross's portrayal of Evan contrasts with GM Hakim's bass voice, which periodically comes into the narrative as he depicts Samarkand, a border collie who is neglected by humans and must continually negotiate difficult situations. Clear in both narrations are the emotions of the dog and the boy, particularly their loneliness. Animal-loving middle-grade listeners will enjoy this audiobook. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

2024-08-30
“The thing about dogs is, no matter what you want, there’s a dog for you.”

Rural life was predictable for Evan Dunn until the white dog with the black ear appeared while he was walking to the bus stop one day. The stray border collie finds comfort in the 13-year-old’s presence, avoiding the Man who drives the white van while he keeps pace with Evan on his after-school runs along roads lined by fields and trees. Evan’s fascination with the dog gives him the courage to question adults, establish new friendships, and take calculated risks for the sake of canine companionship. Whether it’s a dog in a kennel or a boy trapped within his solitary parents’ routines, themes of neglect and isolation dominate the story, although the author’s careful approach ensures that this heaviness is balanced by the presence of uplifting supporting characters, such as Hana Ganz, who’s a dog enthusiast despite her allergies, and track coach Mr. Raley, who displays subtle kindness. The balance of the third-person limited narration between the perspectives of Evan and the dog makes this an enjoyable gateway book for readers who typically prefer stories featuring talking animals. Mentions of and brief scenes including animal abuse, although not graphically rendered, may be upsetting for sensitive readers. Most characters are cued white; some supporting characters are navigating health conditions.

A boy-meets-dog story that evokes warmth and nostalgia.(Fiction. 9-13)