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How to Steal a Dog

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2007

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Book Brief

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Barbara O'Connor

How to Steal a Dog

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

700L

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Super Short Summary

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor follows Georgina Hayes, an adolescent girl who, after her family is evicted and becomes homeless, devises a plan to steal a dog to claim the reward money in hopes of securing a new home for her family. The novel portrays Georgina's moral struggles, interactions with her community, and the eventual resolution through kindness and understanding.

Emotional

Challenging

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.3

15,562 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor centers on themes of family, poverty, and moral dilemmas, providing a compelling narrative for young readers. The book excels in character development and realistic portrayals of hardship, but some critics feel the plot resolution is too simplistic. Overall, it is praised for addressing difficult issues with sensitivity and empathy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How to Steal a Dog?

A reader who would enjoy How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor is likely a middle-grade student (ages 8-12) who appreciates heartwarming, realistic stories about family, friendship, and moral dilemmas. Fans of Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie and Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons will find this book engaging.

4.3

15,562 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

700L

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