Not My Dog

Not My Dog

Written by: Colby Rodowsky

Illustrated by: Thomas F. Yezerski

Published by Farrar Straus Giroux in 1999.

Charming, Heartfelt, Evolving, Inspirational, Realistic

Summary:
This story is about a girl named Ellie who really wanted a puppy, but her parents wouldn't let her have one until she was nine. A few months before she turned nine, all excited for her new puppy, her parents tell her that her Great Aunt Margaret needs to give up her dog and that will be Ellie's. Ellie was heartbroken. She wanted her own puppy, not a hand-me-down dog. However, she gets to know the dog and learns to love him.

Reading Level:
Lexile Measure: 770L
Grade Level Equivalent: 6.2
Interest Level: 3-5

Electronic Resources:
Colby Rodowsky Review
This link leads to a review of Colby Rodowsky as a writer and her style of writing. There are also individual reviews of each of Rodowsky's books. This is useful for students who like Rodowsky's writing.

Not My Dog Summary
This link leads to a summary of the book. This summary is better than the cover. The cover does not tell much about the story, but this summary is in depth. This is useful for students who want to learn about the book before they read it.

Teaching Strategies:
Teachers can use this story to show how people change based on events.

Suggested Delivery:
I would use this book as an independent read. This book with an introduction of vocabulary would be an easy read. Most of the difficult context of this book has to do with knowledge about dogs.

Key Vocabulary:
Ruffling, Rehearsal, Scowl, Pavilion, Hymn, Snarling

Reading Strategies:

Before Reading:
Have students look at the cover and the title and flip through the pictures and make a prediction about what they think the book will be about.

During Reading:
Have students make five discussion questions about the story.

After Reading:
Have students get into small groups and have a literacy discussion about the story.

Writing Activity:
Have students write about a time they were in a similar situation as Ellie with not recieving something that was not exactly what they wanted. Did they handle the situation the same as Ellie or not?