Sheep

Valerie Hobbs
40 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2006

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Book Brief

Valerie Hobbs

Sheep

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

115

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Memory

•

Coming of Age
Topic
Animals
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

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Super Short Summary

In Sheep, a border collie named Jack embarks on a journey to find his purpose after his farm home is destroyed by fire. Along the way, he faces many challenges, including life with a traveling man, a stint with thieves, time in the pound, and abuse from a cruel circus trainer. Ultimately, Jack finds solace and a new sense of purpose with an orphan boy named Luke and his adoptive family, which plans to start a sheep farm. The book discusses animal cruelty and death.

Bittersweet

Heartwarming

Nostalgic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,627 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Valerie Hobbs' Sheep captivates readers with its heartwarming tale from a dog's perspective. Reviewers praise the engaging narrative and emotional depth, ideal for young readers. Some critics note a predictable plot and limited character development. Overall, the book's charm and appeal to animal lovers stand out, making it a cherished read despite minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sheep?

Readers who enjoyed Charlotte's Web or The One and Only Ivan will appreciate Valerie Hobbs's Sheep. This heartwarming tale, featuring a dog's adventurous quest for belonging, captures the essence of friendship and self-discovery, making it ideal for middle-grade readers who love animal stories and emotional journeys.

4.0

1,627 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

A border collie with a strong herding instinct, Jack is the main character who navigates various hardships and joys throughout his journey. His interactions with other characters reflect his search for identity and purpose.

An orphan boy who struggles with self-esteem and reading, Luke becomes a pivotal figure in Jack's life when Jack saves him. Their mutual bond leads to significant changes for both characters.

A wise traveler who leads a life off the land with his goats, serving as a mentor figure to Jack. His kindness and simplicity impact Jack's journey in various ways.

A harsh circus master who exploits animals for profit, representing the darker aspects of Jack's experiences. His interactions with the animals offer a critique of animal mistreatment.

A dog at the circus who, despite difficult circumstances, maintains a sense of community and loyalty. She showcases determination and the prioritization of others' well-being over her own desires.

Book Details
Pages

115

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Action & Adventure

•

Children`s Literature
Theme
Emotions/Behavior: Courage

•

Memory

•

Coming of Age
Topic
Animals
First Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

660L

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