The Puppy Sister

Joyous story about the power of family love.

Author: S. Hinton Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers Pages: 128 Publisher: Bantam Books Published Date: 01/01/1995 Genre: Fiction - Family Life PB Price: $4.50 Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 9-12 Read Aloud: 6+ Read Alone: 9+

Common Sense Note

Powerful message of how family love overcomes sibling rivalry. The few illustrations are perfect for this well-told story. Reading level and content make it a great read-alone, even for reluctant readers.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Matt Berman

S. E. Hinton, known for her powerfully dramatic, no-punches-pulled looks at the rougher aspects of teenage society, has changed her perspective. Her first novel for middle-grade readers, unlike her dark and devastating teen novels, is an effervescent delight.

Hinton manages an astounding balancing act. In simple, easy-to-read language she tells a story that is so funny and involving that one class of third-graders literally squealed with pleasure as it was read to them. Yet her theme is a serious one, all too rare in contemporary fiction, of the transformative power of the love of one's family. And, strangely enough in this oddball fantasy, she does this while keeping Nick and Aleasha's relationship so realistic that children recognize it right away.

The essence of this laugh-out-loud, exuberantly enchanting book is perfectly captured in the black-and-white illustrations by Jacqueline Rogers. She shows Aleasha at various stages of her transformation in a style that radiates both humor and warmth. The front and back covers, showing Nick and Aleasha dancing together for sheer joy, sum up the spirit of this hilarious, subtly poignant story of family love.

Easy to read but appealing to all ages, it is perfect for young readers, but it also makes a surefire family read-aloud. Hinton has found a whole new devoted readership.

From the Book:
"Aleasha?" Nick's voice changed. "Did you nod?"
He smelled surprised. I looked at him.
"And--And--" he stammered, "you won't do this again, will you?"
I shook my head. ...
"Aleasha, do you understand everything I'm saying?"
I nodded and jumped into his lap. I licked his face.
"Wow!" He held my head and looked at me. "You must be the smartest dog in ... Aleasha, are you turning into a human?"

Plot Summary:

Growing up is never easy, but changing from a dog into a human is even harder! Nick's new puppy wants to be a part of the family so badly that she starts turning into a human girl. You'll grin from beginning to end of this joyous story about the power of family love.

Nick and his parents have just gotten their first dog, a pup they name Aleasha, and she is the narrator of the story. She is so determined to become one of the family that she begins to take on human characteristics; her snout, ears, and fur gradually recede, she learns to walk on two legs, and eventually she even begins to speak.

This all comes as a shock to the family, but they take it in stride, trying to keep it hidden from the rest of the world until she completes her transformation. But this kind of transformation causes problems. When she gets sick on Halloween candy, who to call--pediatrician or vet? What to do when she catches a foul ball with her teeth? And what's a cool kid to do with a sister who howls when she's scared or sad, and can smell his emotions?