Lean, S. (2012). A dog called Homeless. New York: Katherine Tegen Books.Newbery AwardNewbery Honor 2014In this heartwarming and sometimes sad story, it's been exactly a year since Cally's mother died, which is on the same day as her father's birthday. Cally, her father, and older brother Luke are trying to get along a year after that horrible day. When her family goes to visit her mother's grave, Cally starts to see her mother even though know one else does. Cally doesn't understand why her father doesn't mention her mother anymore, so she decides to completely stop talking after participating in a day of silence for charity at her school. Cally and her family move from their house to an apartment and there Cally meets her new best friend, Sam, who is deaf and blind. She learns to communicate with Sam using a special kind of sign language. Through their adventures, Cally and Sam meet a homeless man named Jed who has a dog and Cally decides to name the dog "Homeless". Once Cally and her family come to terms with the loss of her mother, Cally stops seeing her mother. AMAZINGLY, the family discovers that there was a connection between Jed, Homeless and Cally's mother. I really enjoyed reading this contemporary realistic fiction story and it was very easy to relate to the characters. This would be great to share with a student who has lost a loved one. Also, it would be ideal for independent reading or Literature Circles involving realistic fiction. A sweet and touching middle grade tale where Cally tries to carry on after the death of her mother. Her own dad is emotionally absent and struggling with his role as a single parent. Cally finds comfort and insight in the friendship she forms with a blind/deaf neighbor boy and a suddenly appearance of stray dog with a story of his own. I'm normally not one to cry during books, but this one did get me going. Keep the tissues close.
What do You think about Hemlös (2013)?
Oh well if this doesn't warm your heart and make you believe in magic then you are soulless -.-
—egclement
A sweet story that reminds us of the depths of grieving and the ties that bind
—Stigmata
So touching and moving. I loved everything about it, except that it ended!
—asmae
Beautiful book... Best one I've read since Wonder. Loved this book!
—CharTierney
