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Barbara O'Connor
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How to Steal a Dog Paperback – Illustrated, April 27, 2009

by Barbara O'Connor (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,471 ratings
#1 Best Seller in Children's Homelessness & Poverty Books
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Don't miss Barbara O'Connor's other middle-grade work―like Wish; Wonderland; Greetings from Nowhere; Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia; The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester; and more!

Half of me was thinking, Georgina, don't do this. Stealing a dog is just plain wrong. The other half of me was thinking, Georgina, you're in a bad fix and you got to do whatever it takes to get yourself out of it.

Georgina Hayes is desperate. Ever since her father left and they were evicted from their apartment, her family has been living in their car. With her mama juggling two jobs and trying to make enough money to find a place to live, Georgina is stuck looking after her younger brother, Toby. And she has her heart set on improving their situation. When Georgina spots a missing-dog poster with a reward of five hundred dollars, the solution to all her problems suddenly seems within reach. All she has to do is "borrow" the right dog and its owners are sure to offer a reward. What happens next is the last thing she expected.

How to Steal a Dog is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year. This title has Common Core connections.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 11 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    192 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 2
  5. Lexile measure
    700L
  6. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.5 x 7.56 inches
  7. Publication date
    April 27, 2009
  8. ISBN-10
    0312561121
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0312561123
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Will keep youngsters totally engaged. This novel's gentle storytelling carries a theme of love and emphasizes what is really right in the world.” ―School Library Journal, Starred Review

“This is truly Georgina's story, and to O'Connor's great credit, it's Georgina herself who figures out what's right and does it. The myriad effects of homelessness and the realistic picture of moral quandary will surely generate discussion.” ―Booklist

“A suspenseful and achingly realistic story.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“O'Connor knows how to spin a touching story, and reading this novel is its own reward.” ―The Horn Book

“O'Connor once again smoothly balances challenging themes with her heroine's strength and sense of humor.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Will give a more privileged audience much to ponder.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“A must-have for a classroom library.” ―IRA

About the Author

Barbara O'Connor  is the author of award-winning novels for children, including How to Steal a Dog, The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis, and The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester. Drawing on her South Carolina roots, Barbara's books are known for their strong Southern settings and quirky characters. In addition to six Parents Choice Awards, Barbara's distinctions include School Library Journal Best Books, Kirkus Best Books, Bank Street College Best Books, and ALA Notables. She has had books nominated for children's choice awards in 38 states. Barbara is a popular visiting author at schools and a frequent speaker at conferences around the country. She currently lives in Asheville, NC.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; First Edition (April 27, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312561121
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312561123
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 11 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 700L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.5 x 7.56 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,471 ratings

About the author

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Barbara O'Connor

Barbara O'Connor

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Barbara O’Connor is the New York Times bestselling author of Wish and other award-winning novels for children, including Halfway to Harmony, How to Steal a Dog, The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis, and The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester. Drawing on her South Carolina roots, Barbara’s books are known for their strong Southern settings and quirky characters. In addition to six Parents Choice Awards, Barbara’s distinctions include School Library Journal Best Books, Kirkus Best Books, Bank Street College Best Books, and ALA Notables. She has had books nominated for children’s choice awards in 38 states. Barbara is a popular visiting author at schools and a frequent speaker at conferences around the country. She lives in Asheville, NC.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
2,471 global ratings
Children will better understand poverty, truthfulness, compassion, and devotion
5 Stars
Children will better understand poverty, truthfulness, compassion, and devotion
As parents, we are constantly looking for that special "Summer Read for Kids" that will teach our children essential lessons. How to Steal a Dog is a book that will not disappoint in the lessons it has to offer.Sadly, I remember working two jobs to support my kids, just like Georgina's mom. I know what it's like to go to bed hungry because there is only enough food to feed the children.In addition, I remember how ugly the kids at school can be to the student who arrives in dirty, unkempt clothing. I was the one who took them to my house to find something clean they could wear.Georgina has lost her father and her home. Her mother is doing her best to take care of the children, but living in a car isn't working for Georgina. The family isn't in trouble because they are lazy or bad. Circumstances can change in an instant. Our kids need to understand that before it's too late. I can't imagine another summer read for kids that does a better job of teaching compassion.After reading this remarkable story, your children will be rewarded with a better understanding of poverty, truthfulness, compassion, and devotion.
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Top reviews from the United States

Rafael PC
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
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I need this book for school and came fast
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JB
5.0 out of 5 stars 9 year old loved it
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
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This book was a quick read for my 9 year old. She loved it. Cover is pretty and will stay on shelf for younger kiddos to grow into!
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Peggy M McAloon
5.0 out of 5 stars Children will better understand poverty, truthfulness, compassion, and devotion
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2022
Verified Purchase
As parents, we are constantly looking for that special "Summer Read for Kids" that will teach our children essential lessons. How to Steal a Dog is a book that will not disappoint in the lessons it has to offer.

Sadly, I remember working two jobs to support my kids, just like Georgina's mom. I know what it's like to go to bed hungry because there is only enough food to feed the children.

In addition, I remember how ugly the kids at school can be to the student who arrives in dirty, unkempt clothing. I was the one who took them to my house to find something clean they could wear.

Georgina has lost her father and her home. Her mother is doing her best to take care of the children, but living in a car isn't working for Georgina. The family isn't in trouble because they are lazy or bad. Circumstances can change in an instant. Our kids need to understand that before it's too late. I can't imagine another summer read for kids that does a better job of teaching compassion.

After reading this remarkable story, your children will be rewarded with a better understanding of poverty, truthfulness, compassion, and devotion.
Customer image
Peggy M McAloon
5.0 out of 5 stars Children will better understand poverty, truthfulness, compassion, and devotion
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2022
As parents, we are constantly looking for that special "Summer Read for Kids" that will teach our children essential lessons. How to Steal a Dog is a book that will not disappoint in the lessons it has to offer.

Sadly, I remember working two jobs to support my kids, just like Georgina's mom. I know what it's like to go to bed hungry because there is only enough food to feed the children.

In addition, I remember how ugly the kids at school can be to the student who arrives in dirty, unkempt clothing. I was the one who took them to my house to find something clean they could wear.

Georgina has lost her father and her home. Her mother is doing her best to take care of the children, but living in a car isn't working for Georgina. The family isn't in trouble because they are lazy or bad. Circumstances can change in an instant. Our kids need to understand that before it's too late. I can't imagine another summer read for kids that does a better job of teaching compassion.

After reading this remarkable story, your children will be rewarded with a better understanding of poverty, truthfulness, compassion, and devotion.
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Customer image
17 people found this helpful
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Cassie
4.0 out of 5 stars I Loved This Book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
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It is a story about a family's struggle to survive after their father leaves them penniless.
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Belinda
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute story
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
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Good book
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Paluri
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
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My 8yo loved it. Already purchased another from the same author
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barbie
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2022
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Reading to my 4th grade class they are loving it. They begged everyday for one more chapter. W did it for fun, but had meaningful discussions. They made predictions and drew inferences. I had a standing clapping ovation when we read the last chapter. It made them thankful for all the blessings they had in their lives and more understanding of those that have less. Amazing book!
7 people found this helpful
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K1018
5.0 out of 5 stars We love this book, and the author
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
This was our 3rd book by Barbara O'Conner. They loved this one and Wish. My sons went as Wishbone from Wish, and the other son went as Willy from this book for Read Across America week. O'Connor has quickly become our favorite author.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Amanda M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for pre teens
Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2024
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Came in good condition, good book for 11/12 year olds.
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Ana Guzman
5.0 out of 5 stars Gran enseñanza
Reviewed in Mexico on July 30, 2020
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Muy recomendable para toda la familia
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Christine Gribbin
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2017
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Entertaining !
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Novel
Reviewed in Canada on January 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
Daughter likes this book, easy to read, great for an animal lover
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Marissa
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story!
Reviewed in Canada on April 1, 2020
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Read this class to my Grade 4s and 5s and they couldn't get enough of it! They groaned every time I said we had to stop reading for the day. Beautiful story line and characters!
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