Number 10 on our hit parade of 2010 Sasquatch Nominees is How to Steal a Dog by Barbara
O'Connor. "The day I decided to steal a dog is the same day my best friend, Luanne Godfrey, found out I lived in a car." That's the first line from this book with a deceptively perky cover and title. The reality is that it is a heartbreaking yet gentle story about childhood helplessness in the face of great loss.
When Georgina's dad abandons the family she and her brother and mom end up being evicted from their apartment and living in their car. Her mom works two minimum wage jobs trying to save enough money to rent an apartment. Georgina is desperate to find a way to help her mom make enough money to have a real home again. A reward poster for a lost dog gives Gerogina the seriously unfortunate idea to steal a dog and then return it for the reward. The plan doesn't work quite like she planned though because her conscience makes itself heard loud and clear.
The seriously heavy topic is handled very well and the characters are all realistic. Georgina is a sympathetic character that will capture the hearts of readers. Grades 4 - 6 are more likely to be ready to handle the tough topics in this story but I would recommend that adults be available for discussion. Kids may need to talk about what they experience through Georgina's eyes particularly in today's economy where homelessness is something they hear about on a daily basis.
