How to Steal a Dog

Georgina Hayes and her family face sudden homelessness in Darby, North Carolina after her father leaves and they can't afford their apartment. Living in their car with her mother and younger brother Toby, Georgina keeps her situation hidden from classmates while her grades begin to slip. After spotting a missing dog poster with a reward, Georgina devises a plan to steal a dog and return it for money. She targets a dog named Willy, creating detailed rules in her notebook about how to carry out the theft and care for the animal. The scheme becomes more complicated as Georgina encounters unexpected challenges and growing guilt. A mysterious drifter named Mookie, temporary shelter in an abandoned house, and the realities of caring for a stolen pet all factor into her increasingly difficult situation. This middle-grade novel examines childhood poverty, desperation, and moral choices through a child's perspective. The story raises questions about right and wrong when survival is at stake.

Readers praise the book's realistic portrayal of poverty and homelessness through the eyes of a child. Many parents and teachers note it creates meaningful discussions with children about ethics and desperation. Liked: - Complex moral situations that make readers think - Strong character development of Georgina - Emotional depth without being overwhelming - Clear writing style accessible for middle-grade readers Disliked: - Some found the premise of stealing a dog problematic for children - A few readers felt the resolution was too neat - Parents of younger children (under 9) noted some content was too mature Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 One teacher wrote: "My students were invested in debating whether Georgina's choices were right or wrong." A parent noted: "This book helped my daughter understand that good people sometimes make poor choices when they're struggling."

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🐾 The book won over 12 state children's book awards, including the William Allen White Children's Book Award and the South Carolina Children's Book Award 📚 Barbara O'Connor drew inspiration for the story from a real news article about a family living in their car 🏠 According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, about 1.5 million children experience homelessness each year in the United States 🐕 The author spent time volunteering at animal shelters to better understand the bond between dogs and their owners while writing the book 📝 The novel has been used in many school curriculums to teach empathy and discuss ethical decision-making with young readers