Dogtown (Dogtown Book #1)

Eminently readable and appealing; will tug at dog-loving readers' heartstrings.

A sweet spotlight on shelter animals that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining.

Newbery Medalist Applegate and Newbery Honoree Choldenko team up for this uplifting escape novel narrated by Chance, a forthright three-legged border collie/Aussie mix. Self-described as an unadoptable "pity party in a dog suit," Chase is a permanent resident of Dogtown--a shelter for dogs both mammalian and robotic--where she offers amusing and insightful commentary about her fellow rescues, including the animosity between the "flesh-and-bloods" seeking forever homes and the "metal dogs" that many humans consider easier to care for. When an uncharacteristically empathic robot dog, Metal Head, arrives, he makes a bold request of Chance and her friend Mouse: break him out of Dogtown. Unwittingly swept up in Metal Head's flight scheme, Chance and Mouse embark on an adventure that makes Chance wonder about life beyond the shelter. Angular b&w line drawings by West (Mighty Red Riding Hood) highlight the humorously sketched canine cast, while brief chapters that explore species divides promise to captivate anyone who enjoys rooting for a couple of down-on-their-luck dogs getting a second chance. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-6--Welcome to Dogtown, a shelter for regular dogs--and robot dogs (don't ask, just go with it). The shelter's top dog is Chance, a congenial and introspective pooch, who like all the residents, longs to reunite with her family. But as Chance understands, "Hope is a painful business." That anguish, along with her resentment towards robot dogs (they often get adopted before real dogs) fades as Chance spends time with a robot dog she nicknames Metal Head. Animosity gradually evolves into understanding, then friendship as Chance introduces Metal Head to Mouse, a real mouse who lives in the shelter and shares Chance's kibble. The action shifts to adventure when Chance and Mouse escape Dogtown to accompany Metal Head on his quest to rejoin his family. Super short chapters, perhaps suggesting a dog's alleged limited attention span, keep the novel's pace moving briskly toward a climax sure to please animal lovers despite a few sad moments along the way. Chance captivates with insights that are hilarious and wise beyond her age in dog years. She counsels Mouse, "Your heart is a muscle...It grows stronger the more you use it." Thoughtful back matter suggests how children can help shelter dogs. West's grayscale art perfectly captures canine emotion and unbridled energy. VERDICT When Applegate and Choldenko collaborate, readers win.--Marybeth Kozikowski

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An Amazon Best Book of the Month, September 2023

The story offers many moments of laughter and reflection, all greatly enhanced by West's utterly charming grayscale illustrations of irresistible pooches. Eminently readable and appealing; will tug at dog-loving readers' heartstrings.—Kirkus Reviews 

The tension and humor are beautifully balanced in this sympathetic story, and the delightfully distinct voices and memorable characters are enormous fun. Brief chapters set a brisk pace, and charming black-and-white illustrations are incredibly appealing. A sweet spotlight on shelter animals that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining. —Booklist magazine