Thoughts on...Pick of the Litter by Bill Wallace

I've read several of Bill Wallace's books and was sure this would be another fun read. It was, but I cried!

~SPOILER ALERT~

I'm going to assume you're looking for someone else so I'll tell you more than I usually would.

The book starts off with Tom in detention because he didn't finish his spelling words. We learn that Tom hates spelling, his teacher likes him, he's basically a good kid. And when his list of words aren't where the teacher said to leave them and are later found, his teacher says, "You're a good and honest man, I should have believed you." That comes back later to haunt Tom.

You see, Tom falls in the love with a puppy but Grandpa gave his word that the owner of the pup's dad could have the "pick of the litter" which basically means he gets first choice. Tom agonizes over what to say when the man shows up, wants to grab Tad and run away but he also wants to do what's right, even when it hurts.

We see a lot of growing during his communication with Angie. Tom doesn't talk much and sometimes he doesn't say much in his letters but he thinks what he wants to say so we know.

When push comes to shove, Tom does the right thing and tells the man that Tad is the best of the litter. The good news is that the man is looking for a girl dog.

Happy ending: Even after being offered twice his fee for a trained dog for the puppy, Grandpa gives him to Tom. That may seems like the best part but really, it's when the man compliments Tom on "how much courage it must have taken not to let on until after he made his decision" that Tom wanted the pup.

I didn't tell all. There is still the trouble with Old Gabe, teaching the dogs with Grandpa, and a family vacation to read about.


Disclaimer: I purchased this book for my own enjoyment. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of publisher.




Pick of the Litter
by Bill Wallace

publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks, Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781416925118
date published: May 2006
format: trade paperback
genre: fiction, children's books, animals
pages: 176
ages: 8-12
grades: 3-7


Product Description:

Tom's grandfather is recovering from heart surgery, so during summer vacation tom is helping him with his hunting dog business. It's hard work, but Tom doesn't mind so much after he falls in love with one of the pups, a rare blue-eyed pointer Tom names Tad. It's almost as if Tad understands when Tom talks to him, especially about confusing things like how hard it is to write to Angie, a girl Tom met on vacation.

The trouble is, Grandpa promised the owner of the pup's sire the pick of the litter, and it's pretty clear that's Tad. Tom knows what he should do, but he can't help hoping there's a way to get around Grandpa's promise. How can he do the honorable thing when it will cost him what he wants most in the world?

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