The Friskative Dog
by Susan Straight

    THE FRISKATIVE DOG by Susan Straight
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  3/13/07
    Publisher:  Knopf
    Reviewed by:  Carrie Spellman
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Sharron loves dogs more than just about anything in the world. Her favorite dog of all is the Friskative Dog.

    Sharron's dad gave her the Friskative Dog when she was very little. Sure, he may be a stuffed animal to most
    people, but to Sharron he is real and just as much a part of the family as an actual dog would be. Especially since
    Sharron's dad left a year ago. Sometimes it seems like the Friskative Dog is the only connection to her dad that
    Sharron has left.

    One day the Friskative Dog disappears, and Sharron's world, both real and imagined, begina to come crashing
    down. Who would take her dog? And why? And without her dog, how will she feel connected to her dad? Why
    would he leave them, anyway? Sharron is starting to ask the questions that everyone has been avoiding for a year
    now. And the answers could redefine how all of them feel about family and safety.

    This is a sweet story about the strength of faith and hope, and the power of family, no matter what shape that family
    takes. It's also a really good book for reluctant readers -- it's easy to read and understand, without being
    particularly condescending. My only concern is that the characters are a bit stereotypical; however, the underlying
    message is a good one.