Module 2: Shiloh

Summary:
Shiloh is the story of a Beagle (later named Shiloh) who is abused by his owner, Judd Travers, and later finds the love he's been searching for in Marty Preston, a ten year old boy. Judd bought the dog for thirty-five dollars and his purpose is to be a hunting dog, except for the fact that he constantly runs away. After Marty finds Shiloh, he becomes attached to the poor, neglected Beagle. Marty's family is poor, but he'll do anything to put food in Shiloh's mouth including collecting cans to recycle. He even builds Shiloh a place to sleep and keeps him a secret from his family. Eventually Marty's mother discovers Shiloh, and Marty has to face the fact that Shiloh must be returned to his owner. Unfortunately, Shiloh is attacked by a neighbor's pet, a German Shepherd, and is badly injured. The doctor puts him on antibiotics and Shiloh lives with Marty's family until he's better. Judd is suspicious that Marty has his dog, goes to the Preston's house, and discovers Shiloh. In the end Marty offers to buy Shiloh, but must pay the price for doing all of Judd's odd jobs for two weeks straight. It's worth it to get the best gift of all - Shiloh.

Reference:
Naylor, P.R. (2000). Shiloh. New York: Scholastic.

Book Impressions:
I loved reading this book and plan to read the others in the series. It has such well developed, relatable characters, and the relationship between Shiloh and Marty is heartwarming. Judd's love to hate character made my blood boil with his abusive antics. Throughout the entire book I rooted for Marty to own Shiloh and find the money he so desperately needed to feed and take care of this dog.


Reviews:
(1991, December 1). [Review of the book Shiloh]. Booklist Starred, Vol. 88, No. 7.
In the West Virginia hill country, folks mind each other's privacy and personal rights, a principle that is respected in 11-year-old Marty Preston's family and reinforced by a strict code of honor--no lying, cheating, or taking what isn't yours. When a beagle he names Shiloh follows him home, Marty painfully learns that right and wrong are not always black and white. Marty's dad realizes that the beagle is Judd Travers' new hunting dog and insists they return Shiloh to his rightful owner, even though they both know that Judd keeps his dogs chained and hungry to make them more eager hunters. Sure enough, Judd claims the dog and greets him with a hard kick to his scrawny sides. Marty worries about Shiloh being abused and makes plans to buy the dog . . . if Judd will sell him. Then Shiloh runs away again, and Marty secretly shelters the dog, beginning a chain of lies as he takes food and covers his tracks. Though troubled about deceiving his family, Marty reasons, "a lie don't seem a lie anymore when it's meant to save a dog." The West Virginia dialect richly seasons the true-to-life dialogue. Even when the Prestons care for Shiloh after he is nearly killed by another dog, Mr. Preston insists Shiloh be returned to Judd if he recovers; however, Marty makes a deal with the malicious Judd to earn Shiloh for his own. Not until the final paragraph can readers relax--every turn of the plot confronts them with questions. Like Marty, readers gain understanding, though not acceptance, of Judd's tarnished character. Fueled by the love and trust of Shiloh, Marty displays a wisdom and strength beyond his years. Naylor offers a moving and powerful look at the best and the worst of human nature as well as the shades of gray that color most of life's dilemmas.

Use in a library setting:
I believe this book would be a great one to use with a library book club. There are great themes, moral situations, and characters to discuss in this story. I think this book could lead to some great conversations.