Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

I read Shiloh primarily because it was the only book on the list that was checked in at the public library near my house. I didn't have much of a reaction to it. In fact, even though I'd never read it before, it felt like a rerun. I don't want to be too harsh because it is basically a good, solid story with strong characters and a lovable animal, but it didn't thrill me.

To me, the only remarkable thing about the book is how moral the Preston family is. We talked about ethics a lot in 550 last quarter and I can tell you that none of us used as fine a comb as Naylor's West Virginians (excepting Judd, of course). Marty feels terrible about every little lie he tells, every little trick he pulls to save Shiloh, every tiny offense. I haven't seen such rigorous values in a work of fiction in a long time.
… (mer)

Independent Reading Level: Grades 4-5
Awards: Bluestem Award (Nominee – 2015), Buckeye Children's & Teen Book Award (Winner – Grades 3-5 – 1995), Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (Nominee – 1994), Flicker Tale Award (Winner – 1994), Golden Archer Award (Winner – Original Golden Archer Award – 1992)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Winner – Intermediate Book – 1994)
Great Stone Face Book Award (Winner – 1992-1993), Land Of Enchantment Book Award (Winner – Children's – 1993-1994), Maine Student Book Award (Winner – 1993), Mark Twain Readers Award (Winner – 1993-1994), Massachusetts Children's Book Award (Winner – Winner – 1994), Nevada Young Readers' Award (Winner – Intermediate – 1994), Newbery Medal (Medal Winner – 1992), Nutmeg Book Award (Winner – Intermediate – 1994), Nēnē Award (Winner – 1994)… (mer)