Shiloh
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 9+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Marty is an eleven-year-old boy in the West Virginia hills who finds a scared beagle that belongs to a mean neighbor named Judd. Marty hides the dog, names him Shiloh, and tells lie after lie to keep him safe. In the end Marty works hard for Judd to earn the dog, and Judd lets him keep Shiloh. It is a warm, honest story about mercy, but Marty's lies and his deal over Judd's poached deer need a talk. Age 9, set by Common Sense Media's 9+ (Simon & Schuster says 8-12).
For parents
Age 9, set by Common Sense Media's 9+ rating; Simon & Schuster lists 8-12 and Lumen's read-alone age is also 9. Read it aloud from 8. Sensitive kids may be upset by the dog abuse, the dog fight and the hunting scenes. There is a little mild swearing. The big talk is Marty's lying. The book shows it hurts his mother and troubles his own conscience, so ask: was there a better way to protect Shiloh? Also talk about the deal. Marty uses what he knows about the deer to push Judd, which is close to blackmail. Then he keeps working even after Judd calls the deal off, and that honest work softens Judd. Point out that Judd was abused as a child, and that mercy can change a hard heart.