The Art of Racing in The Rain
Author: Garth Stein
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Published: June 9, 2009
Pages: 321
Genre: Fiction
Grade level: 4th
Interest level: 8th-12th
The novel became a New York Times bestseller, remaining on the list for more than 156 weeks.
This book is not like any book I have read before. This book is told from a different perspective. A dog is the one telling the story. This book easily caught my attention within the first couple chapter, and was an easy read. The dog's name is Enzo. Enzo sees things differently in life than we do as humans. Animals are known to have a greater senses than humans. In this book the owner of Enzo is married to a woman who has a virus that Enzo is aware of before anyone else is, but because he lacks the ability to communicate with humans he can not warn them.
I would rate this book an advisable. I enjoyed how the book was told from a different perspective. Students who own pets would be able to connect with this book. I was disappointed with some of the foul language. There were a couple swear words used. I would like to have students experience with different techniques of journal through out the book.
I would use this book to have students make predictions and identify important details throughout the book. I would also like students to research in depth the five senses and compare these to animal senses.
Ratings
ESSENTIAL: It would be beneficial if the school library had at least one copy of this book. This is a book that students could find interest in, and also serves an educational purpose. This book may be challenging for the students, but it will help them grow academically and help them improve their education skills.
ADVISABLE: 'ESSESNTIAL' books are the most important and these books are next. These books are still beneficial to the students and could also be a popular genre, but it may lack in in the substance for educational purposes. The education purpose would focus more on students reading and comprehension.
OPTIONAL: Books are interesting for the teachers and would follow the curriculum. This book is would not support the students and their growth as readers. These books would help provide students with a variety of options, but they are not common or the most popular.
NOT RECOMMENDED: These books would not be appropriate. The writing, theme, or plot should not be supported.
Dani,
ReplyDeleteI normally wouldn't even think twice about reading a book like this. However, after reading your review I am intrigued to find out what happens next!
I think this is a very good find! I don't think I've ever read a book from a dog's perspective, and even if it has some foul language, it would definitely be appealing to certain students in the classroom!
ReplyDeleteI think that this book would not be good in a classroom as well. I think your rating was very good. I like that you placed at as optional. I think people would read it just not as much and others.
ReplyDeleteI am overwhelmingly intrigued to read anything to do with animals! This book has a dog on the cover, so I am immediately hooked! Your review confirms that many animal lovers, such as myself, would enjoy this book. I would definitely put this book in my collection!
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