Stella

McCall Hoyle
43 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

McCall Hoyle

Stella

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Death

•

Friendship

•

Animals
Topic
Animals

•

Health

•

Grief & Death
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Shadow Mountain

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Stella by McCall Hoyle is a middle grade novel told from the first-person perspective of Stella, a traumatized beagle who failed to detect a bomb, resulting in her handler's death. Facing euthanasia, Stella is saved by Esperanza and her daughter Cloe, who help her overcome her fears. Through training, Stella learns to be courageous and ultimately takes on a new role, bringing joy and healing to her new family.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Inspirational

Romantic

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

3,174 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Stella by McCall Hoyle explores themes of friendship and courage through the eyes of an intelligent, lovable dog. Readers appreciate the heartwarming and engaging storyline, as well as the authentic portrayal of canine mentality. Criticisms include predictable plot elements and a simplistic writing style. Overall, the book is praised for its emotional depth and appeal to animal lovers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Stella?

Readers who admire animal bonding narratives, such as in Because of Winn-Dixie and A Dog’s Purpose, will be touched by Stella's journey in McCall Hoyle’s Stella. Ideal for middle-grade readers, this book appeals to lovers of heartfelt stories featuring resilient characters and their loyal canine companions.

4.4

3,174 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist and first-person narrator, who is a devoted and loyal dog. She experiences challenges in connecting with new handlers after an airport explosion takes the life of her previous handler, Connie.

Esperanza’s daughter, who plays a crucial supportive role in helping Stella overcome her trauma. She is understanding and nurturing, forming a close bond with Stella over time.

Cloe’s mother, who works as a dog trainer and sheep caretaker. She is knowledgeable about animals and attempts to rehabilitate Stella.

An antagonist in the novel who shows little respect for animals and poses challenges for Stella, Esperanza, and Cloe.

They also serve as antagonists and engage in harmful activities that threaten Stella and Cloe.

Stella’s former handler, who had a loving and strong relationship with her. Her influence continues to affect Stella after her death.

Stella’s handler before Esperanza and Cloe. She is kind but unable to provide Stella with the security and comfort she needs.

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

North Carolina • Contemporary

Theme
Death

•

Friendship

•

Animals
Topic
Animals

•

Health

•

Grief & Death
First Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Shadow Mountain

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,900+ additional titles.