Other editions of book The Junkyard Dog

A moving middle-grade novel about a girl's struggle to save the life of a starving junkyard dog comes to Knopf Paperbacks. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said, "Tamar produces a tough-edged but tender story. ...Besides conveying a strong message about neglectful pet owners, she deftly introduces a range of issues affecting her heroine...the happy ending to her story is one sure to satisfy readers."

When Katie sees the shivering, emaciated dog locked in the junkyard, she know she has to save him. But dogs aren't allowed in her housing project, and money is scarce at home. Then brutally cold weather hits, and Katie knows that the dog will die without shelter--unless she can figure out how to help him. Written in spare prose, here's an inspiring story of responsibility and commitment for young feminists and animal lovers alike.

Katie refilled the saucer and he came rught up next to her. His tongue made sloshing noises as he drank eagerly. Boy, she'd never seen anyone that thirsty! When he finished, he stayed at the fence. Katie was croached down; they were eye to eye. "Good dog," she whispered. He poked the tip of his nose against the links. "I bet no one ever pets you," she said. Her hand wouldn't fit through. "But I can't reach you." They looked into each other's eyes for the longest time. "I'll be back," she promised.

When Katie sees the shivering, emaciated dog locked in the junkyard, she know she has to save him. But dogs aren't allowed in her housing project, and money is scarce at home. Then brutally cold weather hits, and Katie knows that the dog will die without shelter--unless she can figure out how to help him. Written in spare prose, here's an inspiring story of responsibility and commitment for young feminists and animal lovers alike.