43 pages 1 hour read

McCall Hoyle

Stella

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Stella by McCall Hoyle is a middle grade novel told from the first-person perspective of Stella, a traumatized beagle who failed to detect a bomb, resulting in her handler's death. Facing euthanasia, Stella is saved by Esperanza and her daughter Cloe, who help her overcome her fears. Through training, Stella learns to be courageous and ultimately takes on a new role, bringing joy and healing to her new family.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Stella by McCall Hoyle explores themes of friendship and courage through the eyes of an intelligent, lovable dog. Readers appreciate the heartwarming and engaging storyline, as well as the authentic portrayal of canine mentality. Criticisms include predictable plot elements and a simplistic writing style. Overall, the book is praised for its emotional depth and appeal to animal lovers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Stella?

Readers who admire animal bonding narratives, such as in Because of Winn-Dixie and A Dog’s Purpose, will be touched by Stella's journey in McCall Hoyle’s Stella. Ideal for middle-grade readers, this book appeals to lovers of heartfelt stories featuring resilient characters and their loyal canine companions.

Recommended

Reading Age

9-12years

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Children's Literature

Topics

Animals

Health / Medicine

Grief / Death

Themes

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Relationships: Friendship

Natural World: Animals