Last Dog on Earth by Daniel Ehrenhaft

You'll quickly recognize the realistic characters in this boy-and-his-dog story.  The protagonist is an angry teenage boy (once you meet his step-father you'll understand why he's angry) who is ordered to get a dog to teach him some responsibility.  The task of raising a puppy isn't enough to keep the boy out of reform school, but it's the first hook into the major plot in the book: a sci-fi, medical mystery surrounding a dangerous and deadly disease popping up in dogs across the state.

There are several key relationship in this book: the boy Logan learns about love and friendship from his dog Jack, Logan learns forgiveness from his step-father Robert, and he learns about trust from his real father, a genius veterinarian researcher.

While this book is a great choice for boys, I think all dog-lovers will enjoy this fast-paced realistic fiction/sci-fi/mystery.  Keep reading, everyone!

-stenson

Who is Puckett?

She is one of my best friends; she's my old lady black dog. I love her like I love breathing.

Here's a picture of Pucky just hanging around. She's a constant presence, keeping the whole family company. But apparently, while Pucky is lounging around enjoying city life with her family, there are some amazing dogs working hard.

Take these Dogs on Deployment for example. Dogs are defending peace and justice in Afghanistan. My heart goes out to the soldiers who work with the dogs, and the all the military men and women who are safer because of the work of these dogs.

Click here to listen or to read about these dogs are their masters.

Here's to Lode and Leddy. May they return home safely and quickly with their soldiers by their sides.

Keep reading (online newspapers count!)
-Stenson

The pile on my nightstand.

Have you ever been tempted to fake sick and stay in bed and read? Those of you who are reading during math class, science class, health class...I know you know that feeling! Don't worry, Mr. Knoss, I'd never do that, but it sure would help with that pile of books on my nightstand!

On the list of books Stenson is looking forward to reading soon:

1. Orphelia by ?? Maddy M gave it to me, it's based on Shakespeare's Hamlet, and it looks like a book to get lost inside of.

2. What Would Martin Say by Clarence Jones (non-fiction about Martin Luther King Jr. written by close friend and personal lawyer)

3. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard (I ran into one of my favorite college professors, and she's the one who first introduced me to Ms. Dillard. This is not a book I would recommend to most 8th graders because there isn't really a plot. It's a narrative created with brilliant language, written, I think, to call careful attention to how glorious Nature is.

4. Dog Years by Mark Doty (Everyone knows my best friend--besides Ms. Sbrocco--is my loyal, lovely black lab Puckett. I can't pass up a book about dogs and the gifts they bring this planet).

5. There are also three poetry books in my stack of books. I don't really understand poetry very well....but much like I preach to my student...reading (poetry too) is like anything else; you have to practice it.


6. Playing for Pizza by John Grisham (those of you who love a suspense or mystery would love Grisham's books. However, this novel of his isn't a mystery or thriller, but I've always been a fan of his, so I'd like to read this one too).

Anyway, tell me what you are reading or what is on your list of "Books to Read Soon".

Can't wait to hear the titles. Can't wait to jump back into that pile on my nightstand.

Here's to those never-ending lists of books we can't wait to get our hands on!
Stenson