Rescuing Rover: Saving America's Dogs

by Raymond Bial

Overview

Nearly 75 million dogs live with American families, where many sleep in our beds, walk us to school, and eat our unwanted broccoli. However, millions of dogs are born in America each year without a place to live. Most of these animals find themselves in shelters, and many, if they are not adopted, are put to sleep. Raymond Bial takes readers into the genesis of the dog overpopulation problem, covering puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders, and then he profiles a local animal shelter, sharing with readers the ins and outs of daily life there. Who runs animal shelters? Who plays with the pets? How long do they stay? And how can you adopt one?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547341255
Publisher:	Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date:	05/23/2011
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	NC1230L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

Raymond Bial is an acclaimed photoessayist for children. Four of his books were chosen as Notable Books in the Field of Social Studies by the NCSS. He lives in Urbana, Illinois, with his wife and children.

Editorial Reviews

Sections about evaluating websites and what to expect during the shelter-adoption process will further raise awareness and assist youth in better understanding the importance of humane treatment and responsible pet ownership. Historical and contemporary photos; extensive book lists (one for children, another for older readers); websites; and a detailed index complete this well-presented resource on a highinterest topic. — Shelle Rosenfeld

Booklist

Great photographs of dogs and such a wealth of information in a great format! Readers can learn about what foster homes are, the dangers of purchasing animals and the connection to puppy mills, the process of adopting a dog, and how an animal shelter is actually operated on a daily basis. A special fact section on the ASPCA rounds out a wonderful book that is very close to my heart.

A Patchwork Of Books Blog

Information on how the adoption process works will be especially helpful to families that, after reading this book, decide to do their part to help rescue a dog by adopting one as a companion. Hopefully Rescuing Rover will save many dogs' lives - our longtime companions deserve no less.

infodad.Com

For Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Liberty

"The generously sized period photos and Bial's museum shots tell a vivid and poignant tale for even those who cannot yet read the words. If one cannot get to the museum itself, this book is the next best thing."--School Library Journal

"With the handsome treatment readers have come to expect, Bial presents the history of the New York Harbor immigration station . . . Illustrated with the author's photographs of the current museum as well as archival images, the account is further enriched by frequent quotes from those who passed through its doors."--Kirkus Reviews

". . . plentiful historical photographs speak volumes, and Bial's contemporary shots provide a worthy guide for those who cannot visit the restored buildings and exhibits in person."--Booklist

 "As Bial's appended "Children's Books" bibliography attests, there is plenty of material on Ellis Island available to young reader. Bial stakes a claim, though, to some of the most browsable, engaging photographs, which accompany his essay on the function of the island and the experiences of some of the immigrants who passed through, or were turned back, at the examination center."--Bulletin

From the Publisher

If you can make it past the sad, caged puppy on the book's cover, this is an interesting and informative read about the successes and failures of the relationship between humans and dogs. The introductory chapters present the evolution of the dog from wolf to household pet and a brief history of man's relationship with dogs. After that, things begin to take a turn. Bial describes the number of unwanted dogs and their circumstances in society. Unethical puppy mills and irresponsible owners are taken to task for their treatment of man's best friend. A thorough discussion of the types of animal rescue organizations is presented with some in-depth history of the ASPCA and the Humane Society and their current activities. Local shelters and rescue organizations are also presented, with a closer look at some shelter employees and shelter goals. The reader is encouraged to adopt a puppy from a local rescue organization or reputable breeder instead of buying a puppy from a pet store, the destination of most mill puppies. A clear process and list of considerations are presented for the potential pet adopter. Full color photographs abound with good, clear captions and connections to the text that are very good. Included are a comprehensive list of suggested reading, a few Internet sources, and an index. A nice addition to all collections, but some of the photos may be a bit much for the younger or more sensitive reader. Reviewer: Sharon Oliver

Children's Literature - Sharon Oliver

Gr 4?6—Bial introduces man's best friend and informs readers about the poor treatment that many of them receive from puppy mills, backyard breeders, pet stores, and some owners. He tells of his own experiences adopting pets and shares heartrending and touching stories. Full-color photos appear on every page; many scream to readers to avoid places that hurt animals and go straight to animal shelters instead. Looking at the Champaign County Humane Society in Illinois, the author shows what those veterinarians, technicians, and volunteers do to prepare a dog for a happy life in the home of a caring owner. Packed with information about the history of dogs and animal-welfare organizations, the book also introduces some individuals who do foster care and work for the ASPCA. Bial suggests a seven-step process on how to adopt. The suggestions for further reading are divided among younger readers, older readers, and adults.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

School Library Journal