A review by sara_hudson
Dogtown by Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko

4.0

Much like Crenshaw is not really about a giant cat and Wishtree is not really about an old oak and The One and Only Ivan is not really about a gorilla - Dogtown is not really about dogs. It is about community, collective action, and what it means to be human, and that is a lot to do in an illustrated middle grade novel. But Applegate and Choldenko do just that with sharp pacing and fun word play. And, like Applegate's other novels, there is some sadness to contend with along the way, making the payoff so much sweeter. Will make a nice family read aloud to engage listeners (and readers) of different ages, especially with the delightful illustrations to support the younger ones.