Book Review: Stella by McCall Hoyle

 

My Rating: 5 Stars

Following an explosion at an airport, Stella the beagle is retired from her service as a security dog, only to be passed from home to home. Just when it seems that Stella has no hope of a happy future, a dog trainer named Esperanza decides to take Stella in so she can help Stella heal from her psychological trauma. The true healing comes when Stella bonds with Esperanza's daughter Cloe, who needs Stella just as much as Stella needs her. 

This was a very cute book, and perfect for children and youth from late elementary through middle school grades. The story is told from Stella's perspective and you see how she yearns to love and be loved following the traumatic incident in the airport where she used to work. Her perspective is fairly naive, but very sincere. I think young kids would connect with her and her new owner, Cloe. 

Content Guide:

Sex & Affection: None

Language: None

Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse: None

Crime & Violence: Some delinquent youth cruelly hunt squirrels, try to intimidate another youth, and misuse fireworks.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.