A Dog Called Homeless - by Sarah Lean (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Praised by Newbery Medal-winning author Katherine Applegate as "graceful" and "miraculous," this Schneider Family Book Award-winning novel tells how one girl's friendship with a homeless dog mends a family's heart.

Cally Fisher knows she can see her dead mother, but the only other living soul who does is a mysterious wolfhound who always seems to be there when her mom appears. How can Cally convince anyone that her mom is still with the family, or persuade her dad that the huge silver-gray dog belongs with them?

With beautiful, spare writing and adorable animals, A Dog Called Homeless is perfect for readers of favorite middle-grade novels starring dogs, such as Because of Winn-Dixie and Shiloh.

From the Back Cover

A gentle and beautiful story about friends who hear the things you don't say.

When Cally Fisher says she sees her dead mother, no one believes her. So Cally stops talking--what's the point if no one is listening? The only other living soul who sees Cally's mom is a mysterious wolfhound who always seems to be there when her mom appears. But without a voice, how will Cally convince anyone that her mom is still with them and that the huge silver-gray dog is their last link with her?

Review Quotes

Sarah Lean has given us a wonderful story about the power of friendship, promises made, words and silence, and the love of one very big dog. This perceptive and poignant story is a must-read for anyone who has lost something they loved--in other words, everyone! - Bobbie Pyron, award-winning author of A Dog's Way Home
Ever so gently, this fine debut effort explores the power of human kindness as Cally and her father find effective ways to cope with their loss. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Truly a lesson in the power of love and loss, this story shows that learning how to listen is more important than what's being said. This is a thought-provoking story that will speak to readers of all ages. - School Library Journal
Lean's first novel stands out for its clean and evocative prose. [...] Readers drawn to stories of adversity will find this one rewarding, and all readers should look forward to Lean's next novel. - The Horn Book
This beautifully written, compelling debut offers an insightful portrayal of grief and healing. Cally is a deeply drawn protagonist, whose first-person account eloquently relays poignant and powerfully affecting moments. Vivid supporting characters add depth, including spirited, sensitive Sam, who not only embodies the meaning of friendship and family, but reinforces the value of connection, communication, and compassion in bringing hearts and lives together. - Booklist (starred review)
"A child's need to change the world around her is as powerful as it is desperate. A DOG CALLED HOMELESS strikes just the right balance: A touch of the magical, big helpings of honesty, compassion, and determination, a large Irish wolfhound, a special friend, and just enough surprises to let the reader's heart do the stirring. No reader will leave this story untouched or unmoved." - Kenny Brechner of DDG Booksellers
A Dog Called Homeless is a tender story of heartache and hope, doubt and courage, silence and song. Sarah Lean's graceful, miraculous writing will have you weeping one moment and rejoicing the next. A luminous debut. - Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan