80 pages 2 hours read

Barbara O'Connor

How to Steal a Dog

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2007

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor follows Georgina Hayes, an adolescent girl who, after her family is evicted and becomes homeless, devises a plan to steal a dog to claim the reward money in hopes of securing a new home for her family. The novel portrays Georgina's moral struggles, interactions with her community, and the eventual resolution through kindness and understanding.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor centers on themes of family, poverty, and moral dilemmas, providing a compelling narrative for young readers. The book excels in character development and realistic portrayals of hardship, but some critics feel the plot resolution is too simplistic. Overall, it is praised for addressing difficult issues with sensitivity and empathy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How to Steal a Dog?

A reader who would enjoy How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor is likely a middle-grade student (ages 8-12) who appreciates heartwarming, realistic stories about family, friendship, and moral dilemmas. Fans of Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie and Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons will find this book engaging.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

700L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Children's Literature

Topics

Animals

Class

Themes

Society: Class

Natural World: Animals

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies