Buddy

My seventh grade students will be reading this beautifully-written, inspiring and hopeful book this October. The story upholds the potential of the human spirit and demonstrates the power that love has when given selflessly, time and time again. It brings the reader to Katrina in a moving and passionate way. The chapters, text complexity, and length of book all assist in making this an enjoyable read for readers and "non-"readers alike. Finally, a book that both genders, ages 9 and up, can relate to and will desire to read, over and over again, both in and outside the classroom.

This middle school fiction journeys with a youngster who survives Katrina in New Orleans. On the way he saves a dog, loses his dog and his grandfather and develops a faith that endures suffering. Whether the faith piece is seen as cultural or inspirational, the lesson of self-sacrifice for the benefit of other’s quality of life is demonstrated with struggle, conflict, and acceptance.

My nine year old daughter really enjoyed the book. She is used to reading animal fantasy books where the tragedy is less palpable. She read this book with passion and interest, despite the less than perfect ending. I was glad to see her range of emotions brought out by this book. It was also an opportunity for her to explore more about lost pets, hurt animals, hurricanes, and heroic acts.

This story is much more than a story about the bond between a boy and his dog. The author skillfully draws you into the story where you become Li'l T feeling all of his emotions as your own. Buddy is what drives the story, but the real story is about character - learning to be selfless and to think of others while dealing with the challenges of living through a catastrophic life changing event. Buddy is an inspirational and heartwarming story that you will not want to put down.

But don't take my word for it, take a look at the review in the Sunday New York Times Book Review, 9/16/12, which states, "What makes 'Buddy' memorable is not just the tale of a boy's fierce love for his dog but its harrowing portrayal of one of this nation's most traumatic natural disasters. From start to finish, "Buddy" is a testament to the human capacity to endure, to find hope in the sodden ruins of destroyed lives."

This book is about a boy nammed LI'L T and a dog named Buddy.In the begging LI'L T's dad hit a stray dog when driving to the church. LI'L Tget the dog and names him Buddy, Buddy also has to get his hind leg cut of because his leg was severely injured.When LI'L T goes to a place in New Orland LI'L T has to leave Buddy behind. When Hurricane Katrina comes LI'L T is scared and worried about Buddy if he is still ok. Will LI'L T find his perfect beloved dog Buddy ever again and will he have the courage too?

This is a fantastic story. Had me crying at times when I read it to my 8 year old daughter. The author is amazing!

This is a good book but the ending is terrible. At the end Li'l T gives up buddy so he can stay with some white boy that lives in California! I don't really like the part where grandpa T dies ether. This was a really sad book that leaves you crying at the end. Hope This Review Was helpful too you. But Like I said it is still a good book to read.