Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, drug use in heart-filled tale of rural teen.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Rural Vermont 10th grader Ian is dealing with a lot as the big hairy dog he names GATHER wanders into his life on what's left of the farm that's been in his family for generations. Ian's father, irresponsible in the best of times, has deserted the family. His beloved grandfather, who shares his love of the land with Ian, has recently died; his grandmother has moved out of state for her health. This leaves Ian and his now-single mom devastated, and following a work injury she falls into drug use. They have no money, the roof leaks, the phone's cut off, the tires are bald, and they're living on soup from the food bank. Ian dreams of getting the ruined farm back to its former glory, but he's barely keeping it together day to day. "I was just goddam glad to have that dog," says Ian, as Gather becomes his friend, his protector, and his responsibility. The teen's determination to keep them together serves as a moral compass as forces beyond his control threaten to take away the land and heritage he loves -- and also brings people together to protect them both. Which is good, because they need it.
Is It Any Good?
Kenneth M. Cadow's defiantly lyrical tale finds a rural Vermont teen dealing with abandonment, addicted family members, and crushing poverty when a large stray dog complicates, and maybe saves, his life. Narrator Ian spins a profanity-laced, heart-filled narrative of the dog he calls Gather, of doing right and staying strong in the face of hostile forces beyond your control -- and how it makes all the difference when others have your back.
"When things go to hell in your own life, the word gather means something else all over again. Because there's a lot of good people, some who you know, some who you only just met. And the ones who matter, they listen. They gather on your side and at least they try to help you, even if it might not all work out. I know that for a fact."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Gather, in which a stray dog arrives on the scene and changes the lives of the people he meets. Why do you think this is such a popular theme? Do you have any favorite stories like this?
What other stories do you know about kids and teens living in rural poverty, and the troubles they're dealing with? How are their lives and issues different from those of poor kids in the city?
Does your family have traditions -- or things -- that have been passed down for several generations? What are they? How do you feel about them?
Ian is dealing with a lot in this story? How does he persevere? What support does he get? Who shows him empathy and how does that help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Animals , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick
- Publication date : October 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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