Saving Winslow

July 1, 2018

Gr 3-6-Ten-year-old Louie does not have a good track record for taking care of animals. Worms, goldfish, a hamster, a snake, and a lizard are only a few of the pets that died or escaped on his watch. When his father brings home a weak, orphaned newborn mini-donkey from his Uncle Pete's farm, Louie decides to do everything in his power to save him. Taking care of the donkey, which he names Winslow, helps Louie feel closer to his older brother Gus who is serving in the army. Interwoven stories of family and friendship include the girl troubles of his older friend Mack, his quirky new neighbor Nora who has experienced her own losses and is afraid to form attachments, and the hole left behind in his own family as Louie and his parents miss Gus. With short chapters, a timeless setting, and simple prose, this uplifting tale will have readers rooting for the donkey and the boy who nurses him back to health. VERDICT This heartwarming story is sure to be a hit with fans of E.B. White's Charlotte's Web and Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie.-Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
Louie, a remarkably optimistic 10-year-old, takes on the rearing of a fragile, newborn mini donkey whose mother is too sick to care for it.Louie and his parents feel "the enormous absence of his brother," Gus, who is serving in the military and who poignantly (and worryingly) now signs his letters, "Remember me." Winslow, the little donkey, needs constant attention to survive, and Louie, in spite of everyone's predictions of a dire outcome, gamely perseveres. The one with the most negative outlook is Nora, a new neighbor, who, it's revealed, has lost both a premature baby brother and her dog. She's attracted to Winslow but unwilling to allow herself to get attached, while Louie throws his whole heart into saving the needy animal. Her need for distance and unrelenting pessimism are both revealing and enlightening. Utilizing the spare, poetic language she's the master of, Creech gently narrates this winning tale of love and the risks it brings. In brief chapters and with few words she crafts dynamic characters (who are default white) and an engaging narrative with a subtle yet illuminating message on the dampening effects of negativity. The nuanced conclusion brings hope without--realistically--full resolution.Another outstanding and unforgettable story that will work well both as a read-aloud for younger listeners and as a rich offering for those recently transitioned to chapter books. (Fiction. 7-12)

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Starred review from July 9, 2018
Creech (Moo) spins a heartfelt yarn about a boy’s struggles trying to raise a baby donkey. Ten-year-old Louie has repeatedly struck out with animals: worms dried up, a parakeet passed on, a found kitten ran away. But when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey from Uncle Pete’s farm, Louie is determined to save the “pitiful-looking” creature he names Winslow. The infant requires bottle-feeding, injections, and almost constant nurturing, but Louie refuses to listen to others’ pessimism, including that of his new friend Nora. As always, Creech packs a tremendous amount of emotion between the lines of her understated prose. Readers will feel Louie’s longing for his older brother, who is serving in the military and signs his letters, “Remember me”; Nora’s lack of hope, which stems from losing her premature baby brother; and the children’s shared affection for each other and the tiny donkey. Animal lovers in particular will relish Louie’s hard-won triumphs and find joy in Winslow’s strength. Ages 8–12. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House.

Morgan - Saving Winslow by Shanon Creech was written in 2018.This was an awesome book and exciting new fun friendships with lots of people.This book was hard to put down and worth reading. One day Louie’s father brought home a donkey rapted in a blue blanket.Louie named it Winslow and finds out Winslow might die.Louie is convinced he will save Winslow .Louie works hard every day feeding Winslow . One day he meets a girl named Nora.Nora likes Winslow and becomes good friends with Louie.They all hang out a lot.One day they found out that Winslow is not sick anymore.They were so happy. My favorite part of the book is that it is about a donkey and a boy named Louie is taking care of the donkey.Louie always gets pets but they never make it.This time he takes good care of his pet,Winslow . they become good friends and find another good friend named Nora. The story made me feel sad because Winslow was going to die.Louie and Winslow become good friends and made another good friend named Nora.Nora treats Winslow kindly and that makes me happy.they all become good friends.They always spend time together. The new friendship made this book Saving Winslow a good book to read.I recommend this book to people that like animals. I hope you enjoy the book.