76 pages 2 hours read

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Shiloh

Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1991

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, eleven-year-old Marty Preston bonds with an abused beagle named Shiloh and wrestles with moral dilemmas as he attempts to rescue the dog from its cruel owner, Judd Travers, in rural West Virginia. Marty secretly shelters Shiloh, navigates his family's struggles, and ultimately seeks a just solution to save Shiloh, learning about courage and integrity along the way. The book deals with themes of animal cruelty and moral ambiguity.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is celebrated for its heartwarming narrative and compelling themes of compassion and morality, making it a beloved classic for middle-grade readers. Some reviewers noted predictable plot elements, while others appreciated its portrayal of difficult ethical choices. Despite minor criticisms, it remains a poignant, thought-provoking story.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shiloh?

Readers who would enjoy Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor are typically middle-grade students who appreciate stories about courage, empathy, and moral dilemmas. Similar to fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and Where the Red Fern Grows, these readers value emotional narratives involving animals and deep character connections.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

890L

Book Details

Genre

Children's Literature

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Themes

Natural World: Animals

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Period

Realism