Published: 1985
192 pages
Dogsong is a coming of age story about a boy name Russell, caught between boyhood and manhood. He seeks something greater in the world, and finds his roots through traversing nature. On his travels towards the north-est ocean, Russell encounters many adventures. In the end, the story shows that every person has their own way of life, and satisfaction comes from fulfilling this.
"Unusual and moving...a remarkable book." -- School Library Journal, starred review
From Amazon product review:
Something is bothering Russel Susskit. He hates waking up to the sound of his father's coughing, the smell of diesel oil, the noise of snow machines starting up.
Only Oogruk, the shaman who owns the last team of dogs in the village, understands Russel's longing for the old ways and the songs that celebrated them. But Oogruk cannot give Russel the answers he seeks; the old man can only prepare him for what he must do alone. Driven by a strange, powerful dream of a long-ago self and by a burning desire to find his own song, Russel takes Oogruk's dogs on an epic journey of self-discovery that will change his life forever.
A Newbery Honor Book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
An ALA Notable Book
A School Library Journal Best Book
How I would use it in the classroom
This book would be great to reference in a theme or unit dealing in diversity and following what your heart tells you. It would be a great winter book!
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