This book has a decent story but the writing is sometimes repetitive and some of the scenes are completely pointless. For example, there is a scene in the book wherein we find out that Lil Ann is gunshy. This is never again addressed anywhere in the book. Even later, when they hunt at the championship, the boy's father brings a gun, but there is no mention of Lil Ann being gunshy. Also, I found the metaphors in the book were sometimes quite weak or overused. The story was strong, and I found it was compelling, but the ending and the justifcation for it was hard to swallow. It felt gratutious. That said, the protaganist is a decent role model, and truly shows that hard work and passion can get you far.

love the book it was great

I assigned this book as a mandatory summer read for kids entering my 6th grade class. Each year, everyone loves it... girls, boys, it doesn't matter the gender. I chose it because I remembered reading it in fifth grade and enjoying it as a kid, and hoped my students would too. Each year when I am creating my new required summer reading list, the current 6th grade picks it as their top recommendation for the incoming class. One word of caution though-- one of my kids loved the book so much, he begged his mother each day of summer until they got a dog:)I'm sure his mother loved me for that!!!

I absolutely loved ths book! When I was in fifth grade my teacher introduced it to me. During our reading time she would read this book, and I couldn't help but get involved, since I have always wished to have a dog! Now I am a junior in high school and am reading it again. This time I am expected to right an essay on it. I would recommend anyone looking for an easy quick read to select this book! It is amazing and all should read it!!!