The Eyes and the Impossible

Published in 2023, The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers is a middle grade speculative fiction novel. Johannes, the protagonist and narrator, is a free-spirited dog whose daily ventures through an urban park by the sea make him a hero to its diverse animal inhabitants. Tasked with being the Eyes of the park, he reports everything back to the park’s wise elders, three ancient bison. When human developments threaten the park’s balance, Johannes plans to liberate his bison friends with the help of a peculiar array of animals and an unexpected ally in a shipload of goats. The novel won a Newbery Medal and explores themes of balance, freedom, and friendship.

Citations in this study guide refer to the e-book edition released by Random House in 2023.

Content Warning: The source material contains depictions of suicidal ideation.

Plot Summary

Johannes the dog has always lived freely in a vast park near the sea. The three bison who rule the park ask him to act as their Eyes and help them maintain balance in their domain. Four Assistant Eyes help Johannes keep watch—a seagull named Bertrand, a squirrel named

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