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kitsuneheart's review
4.0
So, I'm really tempted to give this a higher rating, because this is a very well-told tale. The artwork is foreboding and lifelike, and the story moves along rather quickly, despite having a lot of repetitive elements. Overall, it does a great job of creating a sense of tension as James comes so close to capture again and again, almost making the terrible decision to kill his dog so he may hide a little longer.
And I feel bad for knocking off a star for this, because I'm reviewing a book about escaping slavery, but I really do think that a lot of kids will be distressed by the idea of killing the dog, even if it doesn't happen! I think, if this was read in a classroom of younger students, this could lead to some upset kids.
So mainly be aware of the age and tone of your classroom, or your child, if reading at home. If things seem to be going bad, perhaps jump ahead to reassure them that James and his dog are just fine, and then continue from where you left off.
And I feel bad for knocking off a star for this, because I'm reviewing a book about escaping slavery, but I really do think that a lot of kids will be distressed by the idea of killing the dog, even if it doesn't happen! I think, if this was read in a classroom of younger students, this could lead to some upset kids.
So mainly be aware of the age and tone of your classroom, or your child, if reading at home. If things seem to be going bad, perhaps jump ahead to reassure them that James and his dog are just fine, and then continue from where you left off.
sducharme's review
4.0
Wonderful story of a slave boy who decides to run away to freedom. He tells his dog, Zeus, to "stay" but the dog follows him anyway. And good thing. Zeus ends up being the hero who makes freedom possible. Based on a true story. Double full page watercolor illustrations.
bookarian's review against another edition
2.0
"slavery, dogs, southern states, boy's hunting dog saves him as he escapes across the Ohio river"
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