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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
this got fucking rough in the end. going to saddle this with my friend anna (we both know laika’s history and even though i experience low empathy and they experience high empathy we both dread hearing laika’s history bc it fucking stings dude)
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
DOG STAR was a good middle grade book based around the true events of what happened during the space race. This book is a great way to introduce middle grade readers to that time in history while making it relatable to them. The story wasn't exactly fast paced but it flowed well enough I didn't feel like I was getting bored either. Though I will say I found I liked the dogs point of view best. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who loves dogs, history or even space.
I will say this book can be triggering in some instances as it does keep the true ending so please be aware of that.
I will say this book can be triggering in some instances as it does keep the true ending so please be aware of that.
DOG STAR is a lovely tale that manages to be both heart-wrenching and inspirational. We cheer for our two main characters to find each other - Laika, the soon-to-be cosmonaut dog, and Nina, a young girl who begins to be aware of what it really means to live in Soviet Russia during the late 1950s. Their need for each other and what they gain from each other transcends the ever-approaching separation. I cried my eyes out! But my heart was so full, too, that I forgive Shepherd for breaking it in the first place. Five (dog)stars for this stunning novel. <3
The fact this is based on a real dog that was launched into space makes it so much more interesting!
However, the perspective of a dog was hard to ground myself in. The writing was very choppy, maybe to represent the personality of the dog, but it was too much for me. I never could get fully in the story.
The "religion" of the dogs via the Dogstar is interesting. Depending on my kid and how solid their Christian faith is would determine whether of not I let them read this one.
This is a book about living your truth despite outside influence. What a great topic to discuss with the kids in your life. This is definitely one I would want to read alongside a middle grader and discuss if I out it in their hands.
Thanks to Macmillan Kids for the book to review. All opinions are my own.
However, the perspective of a dog was hard to ground myself in. The writing was very choppy, maybe to represent the personality of the dog, but it was too much for me. I never could get fully in the story.
The "religion" of the dogs via the Dogstar is interesting. Depending on my kid and how solid their Christian faith is would determine whether of not I let them read this one.
This is a book about living your truth despite outside influence. What a great topic to discuss with the kids in your life. This is definitely one I would want to read alongside a middle grader and discuss if I out it in their hands.
Thanks to Macmillan Kids for the book to review. All opinions are my own.
This was good but so sad! Poor Laika, hero dog!
Kids will be sad to read about Laila’s fate but it’s also a really fascinating and interesting real story from history that they deserve to know.
Kids will be sad to read about Laila’s fate but it’s also a really fascinating and interesting real story from history that they deserve to know.
DOG STAR was a good middle grade book based around the true events of what happened during the space race. This book is a great way to introduce middle grade readers to that time in history while making it relatable to them. The story wasn't exactly fast paced but it flowed well enough I didn't feel like I was getting bored either. Though I will say I found I liked the dogs point of view best. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who loves dogs, history or even space.
I will say this book can be triggering in some instances as it does keep the true ending so please be aware of that.
I will say this book can be triggering in some instances as it does keep the true ending so please be aware of that.
One star off because I hate unhappy endings >:(
Laika was a brave, loyal, and warm dog.
For fans of Because of Winn Dixie, Old Yeller, Crenshaw all them animal books... they are true companions of humans.
Laika was a brave, loyal, and warm dog.
For fans of Because of Winn Dixie, Old Yeller, Crenshaw all them animal books... they are true companions of humans.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
"Hers is a sad story, but also a triumphant one."
Oof. DOG STAR is the sad and triumphant story of Laika, the street dog turned cosmonaut and the first living creature to orbit space.
In the author notes, Megan Shepherd talks about struggling with coming off as too judgmental or not judgmental enough. In the narrative, the scientists are portrayed as sympathetic characters and the Party politicians as the cold-hearted villains. Feels a bit oversimplified.
Overall, though, it's a moving spotlight on a monumental historical moment. I just hate how it ends for Laika.
Oof. DOG STAR is the sad and triumphant story of Laika, the street dog turned cosmonaut and the first living creature to orbit space.
In the author notes, Megan Shepherd talks about struggling with coming off as too judgmental or not judgmental enough. In the narrative, the scientists are portrayed as sympathetic characters and the Party politicians as the cold-hearted villains. Feels a bit oversimplified.
Overall, though, it's a moving spotlight on a monumental historical moment. I just hate how it ends for Laika.