A Dog Called Homeless: A Middle Grade Novel About Friendship, Family Healing, and a Mother's Love for Kids (Ages 8-12) Paperback – January 7, 2014

By far one of the best books I’ve ever read as an adult and teacher. This book starts slow but quickly becomes a page turner. The characters are so real. As a teacher, I always preview books before I release them to students. I am so glad I did because I pretty much cried the entire last half of the book. I’m prepared now! As a mom, I think it is a wonderful piece of literature. As a teacher, you always have to be extra cautious. It is about a mom that has died, so it might be sensitive to someone who might have just lost someone. It could also be therapeutic. It does reference beer a few times-but briefly. There is no profanity. There are some sad parts just beware. The friendship that develops is wonderful and heart warming. Sometimes it’s just nice to know this before it you pass it off to a child. Great for teaching theme, character traits, and problem and solution. I wish this would become a movie. As for readability it is an AR level of 4th grade. I love that it has short chapters because it helps students feel accomplished knowing their mastering chapters quickly.

My 8 year old son was given this book to read by his teacher because she knows he LOVES all animals, but especially dogs. Once he started, he couldn't put the book down! What a joy it was to see a child (especially mine) so engrossed in a book!!!! At the dinner table he would talk about the characters, at the bustop, in the car, etc....and he kept telling me that I would love it, too! When he finally finished it, he asked me if we could actually "buy" the hardcover book because we had to give this one back to the library and he wanted to read it "a trllion more times! ...and I still hadn't read it yet," he said! So, we did...and I did!....and I have to tell you...its a great book! I was really impressed that it wasn't your typical 3 grade book, but touched on sooooo many senses for everyone! This author made you "feel" the book....not just read it! And I was so happy that my son "got it"...the message the book was sending! Whether it be the emotions of the main characters, understanding physical handicaps of others are just that.....they're still human, how animals are more than just 4 legged creatures....they are gifts to us, and to not judge people by their appearances...be it blindness, deafness, dirty ragged clothes, etc....everyone is special and has a purpose here on earth. Read this WITH your child...they'll thank you for it!

As a children's author, an animal lover and one who just lost her mother less than a year ago, this story really hit home for me. One of my books is about coping with the loss of our beloved pets so when I was researching books on the market to help with grieving, I came across this gem and I knew I couldn't pass it up. I just turned 30 at the end of March and I can definitely say this book is beneficial for anyone who has lost their mother, no matter their age. I loved the subtle humor and when the story came all together in the end, I cried. Great style of writing from Sarah Lean. I really felt I was in Cally's mind the entire time and felt like I was seeing the world through her eyes. I imagined my mother so clearly every time she described her own. Brilliant book to help one cope.

I thought this was one of the best dog books I've ever read, 'cause not only did it fill you with sad emotions but great happy things like joy! Great job Sarah Lean for making one of the dog novels I will never forget! :) grades 3-6

good book at the price

My 7 year granddaughter loved this book. The story is about the main character Cally (4th or 5th grade girl) and how she deals with major life changes. Dealing with the loss of her mother and moving with her dad and brother to an apartment, Cally encounters a friendly homeless Irish wolfhound. The dog mysteriously often appears when Cally sees her deceased mother. Heartwarming story of love and loss and healing in the world of a young girl.

This is a beautiful story about love loss and a dog. It is a well written book for second graders on up. It is one that can teach compassion. It has everything thing in one story.Cally losses her mother one year earlier and is lost about how to go on. One day she meets a dog called homeless. I won’t give anything else away.

I just finished the book quite literally a couple seconds ago for my intro to special education class. Please just read. Great book, I can’t stop balling.