Shiloh
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Shiloh is about the difficulties of learning what is right and wrong when it comes to someone you love. The story takes place in the high hills above Friendly, West Virginia. Eleven-year-old Marty Preston comes across a beagle while walking in the hills near his home. Marty thinks that someone has abused the dog because he is acting skittish. The dog follows him home and Marty names him Shiloh. Later, Marty’s dad tells him that he thinks that Shiloh belongs to Judd Travers and that they will return him the next day. Judd Travers has several hunting dogs. Marty doesn’t have a good feeling about returning Shiloh to him. He thinks that Judd is a mean person and that he hurts and kills animals. Marty is scared for Shiloh and must figure a way to keep him safe. He prays to Jesus for the answers.
I liked this book because Marty never gave up and because he wanted to rescue Shiloh from Judd. I liked that he figured out what to do using his sense of right and wrong. Marty always took into consideration his family values before making any decisions. I liked the ending of the story. I didn’t like that Judd Travers was abusive to dogs.
I would recommend that people who like animals, especially dogs, read this book. I also would recommend this book because it was based on a true story. It also teaches a lesson about making right and wrong decisions.
Review by Garrett
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