Shadow

SHADOW is a very sad story--readers will need tissues. It was heart-breaking to know how Shadow was treated by his first owner and heart-breaking how Bobby was treated by bullies.It became heartwarming when Bobby was able to befriend Shadow and ultimately they became really close. Then the danger esculates and lives are in danger. And in a heart-stopping moment, everything changes for all of them.I read this through in an hour - it was truly riveting. Mr. Anderson is a writer for tween boys who are reluctant readers and knows how to engage their interest.

I'm becoming more and more impressed with Max Elliot Anderson's books. I think they easily rival the old Hardy Boys series--remember them? This is a middle-grade mystery and adventure, one I think you and your kids will love. Five stars!Bobby Taylor is the hero in this story--a boy who had always wanted a dog, but whose step father refuses to allow it. Bobby is also the butt of bigger kids jokes and harassment. Said step father manages the pound and is the one who has to order dogs put to death. He's afraid Bobby will be enthusiastic over a dog for a while but will then lose interest and quit taking good care of it. That's how a lot of dogs wind up in the pound.Bobby befriends a large, vicious-sounding and acting dog. It turns out the poor dog is mistreated and is apparently just used for guarding a fenced yard. Suddenly the dog turns up missing, and it doesn't seem anyone is left in the house inside the yard. When Bobby discovers him in the step father's pound, amazing things begin to happen.You should get this for your kids. Or for yourself, if you've never outgrown your love of a good, clean mystery.I received a free copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed and evaluations assigned in this review are my own.