Summer of Riley

Eva Bunting
43 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2000

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Book Brief

Eva Bunting

Summer of Riley

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Realistic Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

New York • 1990s

Theme
Perseverance

•

Justice

•

Order & Chaos
Topic
Animals
First Publication Year

2000

Publisher

HarperCollins

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

540L

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Super Short Summary

In Summer of Riley by Eve Bunting, 11-year-old William Halston adopts a Labrador Retriever named Riley to help him cope with the recent loss of his grandfather. When Riley accidentally injures a neighbor's horse, a local law mandates Riley to be euthanized. William embarks on a determined quest to save his dog, learning valuable lessons about empathy and resilience along the way. This book deals with discussions of animal euthanasia.

Emotional

Heartwarming

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

1,017 ratings

66%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Summer of Riley by Eva Bunting is praised for its emotional depth, engaging storytelling, and relatable characters. Reviewers appreciate its exploration of complex themes like friendship, loss, and animal rights. However, some find the plot predictable and the resolution too simplistic. Overall, it remains a touching read for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Summer of Riley?

Fans of Eva Bunting's Summer of Riley likely relish emotional, animal-centered stories similar to Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie and Wilson Rawls' Where the Red Fern Grows. Readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives about the bond between children and their pets will be deeply moved by this touching, morally complex tale.

3.9

1,017 ratings

66%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

An 11-year-old boy coping with his grandfather’s death and his parents' divorce, who finds solace in his dog, Riley, and navigates the challenges and changes this brings.

William’s mother, who supports him through his grief and separation from his father, fosters a new relationship with Stephen, and helps fight for Riley's wellbeing.

William’s father, who is mostly absent and secretive about his new romantic relationship, but attempts to reconnect with William during difficult times.

The Halstons' neighbor, who deeply loves her horse, the Sultan, and is opposed to keeping Riley after he causes harm to the horse.

William’s best friend, who is mature, supportive in his campaign to save Riley, and offers a balanced perspective on the situation.

A 12-year-old who bullies William, harbors trauma and fear of dogs, and initially opposes Riley due to his own past experiences with dogs.

An employee at the pound where Riley was adopted, who becomes significant in Dorothy’s life and represents change for William.

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Children`s Literature

•

Realistic Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

New York • 1990s

Theme
Perseverance

•

Justice

•

Order & Chaos
Topic
Animals
First Publication Year

2000

Publisher

HarperCollins

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

540L

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