Reviews

Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi

emkreads's review

Go to review page

5.0

Okay but not gonna lie, this is now one of my favourite books. Absolutely loved it

gingerbread_void's review

Go to review page

5.0

I loved this book! I am a huge dog lover (ask my four dogs they'll tell you) so anytime I see a cute book with dogs involved I have to have it. This book was of course no exception.
I loved all of the characters in this book both human and dog. I felt like they all had very distinct personalities and voices which can be rare in a book with so many characters. I especially loved how the dogs personalities seemed to match with their breeds. I also loved the little back stories about the dogs and their "dog gifts".
I also really enjoyed one specific bit at the end. I don't want to spoil anything but it was such a sweet addition to this book and fixed the only thing I thought might be a problem.
I also wanted to gush about how adorable the illustration are! The dogs look so cute and so perfectly match their personalities! I wanted to just kiss and cuddle every dog in this book.
This is just a wonderful book for dog lovers. I give it two thumbs up and all the tail wags. My dogs and I all adored it and can't wait to get a copy to add to our ever growing shelf of dog books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the early copy.

imaqtjv's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kelleemoye's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

First, I must say: kids are going to love this book. Seriously. Go pick it up for the kid(s) in your life.

I always go hesitantly into dog books because, as I am sure it is with all of you, the emotions when it comes to animal books are on high alert! And please know that your emotions are going to be going on a roller coaster of emotions in this one!

The first emotion you are going to feel is love. As soon as you hear Gus’s voice, you know that he is a dog you can trust. Then as you meet each of the pack, they automatically go into your heart. Crimi does an amazing job telling the current narrative while also flashing back to show the dogs’ (and Miss Lottie’s, Quinn’s, and Ghost the cat’s) past. This allows you to jump into the story while also learning about how the pack gets together.

The next emotion you are going to feel is anger. Decker is a challenger to the pack. The way he manipulates and bullies, specifically Moon Pie, is devastating. It is true manipulation. You will definitely feel anger. Also, you learn more about Quinn’s life which will definitely make you feel angry.

Then comes the feelings of suspense, sadness, happiness, pride, and more! I can’t get more into the story because I don’t want to spoil! It is a good ride, I promise!

Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=22612

miszjeanie's review

Go to review page

5.0

Secondhand Dogs is a sweet, heartwarming story about second chances and finding and protecting your pack — whether human or animal. Addressing serious issues like bullying and hurt cycles, this book is often poignant in its insights. If you love dog stories and stories full of heart that might make you shed a tear, this is one to read.

Read my full review on my blog.

sarahreadsthings's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rlight1026's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

jenwestpfahl's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

readingthroughtheages's review

Go to review page

4.0

This one is adorable! Kids will really enjoy it.

thistlechaser's review

Go to review page

5.0

A middle grade book, but a really nice story for adults, too. All the dogs could talk, but it was explained in a sentence early on. Something like:

"Yeah, let's go talk to him!" Gus said in the dog language of barks, whines, tail wags, and ear shifts.

All the dogs talked like people from that point on, but that one sentence made it work fine for me.

The story followed a group of dogs adopted/rescued by an old woman (Miss Lottie). One day she brings home a Bad Dog (as in he wants to destroy the pack, not that he piddled on a rug), and the pack has to figure out how to deal with him.

While that was going on, there was a subplot about Quinn, a boy who helps Miss Lottie. He was dealing with a lot of stuff at home, as well as being bullied badly at school.

Though this was a simple, short book, the author really understood both dogs and kids. I really love that in the story each dog is born with a "Dog Gift" -- one thing in life they're especially good at doing. Anything from following scents, begging, or loving other dogs.