What the Dog Knows Young Readers Edition

August 1, 2019
A reprise of the 2013 adult book of the same name, now for young readers. When author Warren gets a German shepherd puppy, she wants a dog that will lie under her desk quietly as her former dog, the gentle Zev, did. So she is horrified to discover that puppy Solo is a "jackass"--a no-manners, bullying, uncontrollable bundle of energy. But Warren loves research, and her investigations lead her to a group of people who train dogs to sniff out missing dead people--a task it seems Solo's personality traits are tailor-made for. Warren details the training she and Solo undergo to achieve certification, and she does a commendable job of conveying to readers the perseverance needed to achieve goals. The narrative flow isn't seamless, though, containing odd, jerky segues. Additionally, despite the promise of the subtitle, the story is heavily focused on the use of dogs in law enforcement and war, which becomes both tedious and a downer. The machismo culture subtly filters into the narrative ("Teaching him to not be a wimp helped me not be a wimp"), which gives it all a dated feel. Sidebars offer occasional adjunct information, more or less successfully (DNA, physiology of smell), and there are plenty of black-and-white photos of dogs, trainers, and handlers (all the humans seem to be white). The lasting impression, however, is one of human aggression, not the dog's amazing nose. Misses the mark. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 18, 2019

Gr 3-7-Warren revises and reorganizes material from her adult title, describing how she and her German Shepherd Solo become a cadaver search team. Though Warren and her husband hoped for a companion animal when they adopted their dog, the author sought a way to harness Solo's high-energy personality. She chronicles their development as a working team and Warren's growing awareness of the intricacies of canine-human relationship. She also integrates details about types of working dogs, the science of a dog's sense of smell, and search dog history. This edition sets some science-related information apart in bordered text boxes. The many people and dogs who helped Warren and Solo in their training can become overwhelming, and the book's hefty page count may put off some readers. The smooth writing turns choppy in later ones. VERDICT Despite some drawbacks, this is a fast, fascinating read that captures the strong bond between dog and owner. -Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.