Shiloh (Realistic Fiction/Chapter Book)

By: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

This book is the first of a trilogy that introduces you to a boy and his new friend. Now what he must go through to keep him. Marty has found a puppy Beagle that has been beaten and abused. After returning the puppy, Shiloh, to his original owner, Judd, Shiloh keeps running back to Marty. Judd is a drunk who abuses all of his hunting dogs and kills game out of season. Marty is faced with many ethical and moral decisions. He knows that legally the dog belongs to Judd, but is in love with the dog and can't keep sending him back to be neglected. Marty must decide if he must follow the law or make the moral decision to keep Shiloh and give him a loving and affectionate home. After making a deal with Judd to trade work for Shiloh, Marty must still work so he can provide food and supplies for his new best friend. This book could be used to discuss with students morals, ethics, and legal issues.