Shiloh Reviews

• A Boy, a Beagle. . .and a Dilemma

  
  By A3IB1W0SVED0Z3 on 2000-07-21
  What a wonderful book! I read it after my 11-year old son suggested it as a change from my usual reading fare of history and biography. It turned out to be much more than just a summertime reading diversion...it became for me a deeply moving reading experience in its own right. I was quickly captivated by Marty and his family, Shiloh, the beagle, and yes, even the despicable Judd Travers.

  The story is straightforward: Marty Preston is an eleven-year old boy living with his parents and two younger sisters in rural West Virginia. It is a close-knit, loving family with traditional values and a clearly defined set of rules to live by. His father is a mail carrier and his mother a homemaker.

  One Sunday afternoon, as Marty is walking along a backwoods road, he spies a young beagle hiding under a bush. He calls to it, but the dog doesn't respond. When Marty walks away, the dog follows him. Marty tries to get the dog to come to him several times, but the animal, which has obviously been abused, cowers miserably. Finally, the dog happily comes to Marty when the boy whistles at him. Marty immediately falls in love with the dog, whom he names Shiloh. The little beagle responds with trust and affection. The boy quickly figures out that Shiloh belongs to Judd Travers, a local ne'er-do-well, and a man with an unsavory reputation for dishonesty, a hot temper, and animal abuse. Marty wants to keep Shiloh, to protect him from Judd. However, his parents insist he return the dog to its rightful owner, which Marty begrudgingly does.

  Shiloh runs away from Judd a second time and finds his way back to Marty's house. This time, Marty vows to keep him. He hides the dog, sneaks food out of the house to feed him, and begins to lie to friends and family when questioned about Shiloh's whereabouts. A tragic accident causes Marty's secret to be found out by his parents. He is forced once again to return Shiloh to his master. Marty, desperate to keep Shiloh, offers to do almost anything to get Judd to give him the dog.

  I won't give away the ending of the book; suffice it to say, it is a dramatic and compassionate ending, sure to move anyone who reads this book.

  "Shiloh" is a beautifully and masterfully written in every way. It is written in the first person, from Marty's point of view. The narrative is written in a rural West Virginia dialect that sounds totally natural and unaffected. It seemed almost possible for me to hear Marty speak as I read along. The book's plot is absolutely superb - tightly woven, dramatic, and realistic. Each of the characters come to life with complete believability. All of the situations presented in the narrative are easy to understand and appropriate for young readers.

  Phyllis Reynolds Naylor proves why she is such a gifted writer of children's books, mainly because she so brilliantly fires the reader's imagination and teaches positive values. In the story, she presents Marty with an ethical dilemma which, at one time or another, all children face. Marty's predicament is this: whether to do what is right in the eyes of a higher authority (his parents) when it is a reasonable certainty that the action will result in a great wrong being done by someone else; or to do what his heart says is right, even though that action is wrong in the eyes of the higher authority (his parents). Marty's dilemma is compounded his conscience, which speaks loudly and often to him, demanding from him both honesty and a sense of fair play. How Marty responds to these challenges is the great lesson taught by this book.

  "Shiloh" is a winner of the Newbery Medal and a classic of children's literature. I heartily recommend it to kids of all ages...from 9 to 99.
  
  

• Both boys and girls will love Shiloh!

  
  By AILQ1G3PB3249 on 2000-05-31
  Shiloh is a wonderful example of realistic fiction for children. The story revolves around Marty, a small town boy in the hills of West Virginia. There isn't much money, and putting food on the table is difficult and all consuming for the adults of his community.

  Marty spends his free time roaming the hills with his rifle, until he discovers Shiloh, a dog, whom he learns lives with constant abuse by his owner. Marty determines to rescue Shiloh and care for the dog he immediately becomes attached to. He finds, however, that simply wanting something, is not a determinant of taking possession: he is stunned that the abusive owner has rights, which is confusing and heartbreaking for him.

  Throughout the story, Marty is confronted by moral issues which he must wrestle with as he focuses his attention on loving Shiloh and finding a way to make life better for the dog. In doing so, his values are questioned and his morality is strengthened. He must learn to solve moral dilemmas by analyzing the choices he has. He realizes that adults don't always do the right thing, nor do they always have the answers to questions. Most, important, he learns to recognize that he has the ability, within himself, to realize the resolve it takes to do the right thing in the face of adversity.

  Young readers will experience these dilemmas with Marty, and the story provides youngsters with the opportunity to develop their own moral skills along with him.
  
  

• Shiloh Review

  
  By AZ216MK9KO1S0 on 2007-06-13
  Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds, Shiloh, New York, New York: Aladdin Paperbacks Publishing, 2000. 137 pages.
  
  Have you ever thought to yourself, "Why do people abuse their animal(s)?" I mean it is just plain wrong. In the book Shiloh there isn't really a main setting in the book because they go all around their town. The main characters are Marty who is a boy, then there is Shiloh who is the dog which is surprisingly the main character but also the title of the book. My favorite part of the book was when Judd got in a truck accident because of drinking to much beer. That night Shiloh snuck out of the house because he had a weird feeling and when Shiloh was looking off the bridge he saw someone which was Judd Travers who was the original owner of Shiloh and still was but Judd was abusing Shiloh, so Shiloh ran away. Well, I don't want to ruin the story but Shiloh started barking like crazy when he found Judd on the side off the bridge. Marty woke up at the loud barking and noticed that Shiloh wasn't there. If it wasn't for Shiloh, Judd would've been dead. I don't really think that you can really judge a book by its cover. If you love animals then you will really love this book. It is really sad because Judd abuses his animals so bad, and it makes me get all teary. This book is the best book I have ever read. I have read this book more then 5 times. I really love to read animal books. I really wouldn't change anything about this book. I would rate this book out of 1-5, with four being that I couldn't put this book down, it was so good and one being that it was hard to stay awake, and I struggled to finish it, I would rate this book a five and beyond.
  
  
  

• Shiloh, a really great book!

  
  By on 2007-05-05
  This is a fiction animal story by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
  The protagonist is a poor boy named Marty Preston. Other characters are Shiloh and Judd Travers. Shiloh is a dog who helps Marty learn perservance. Judd is Shiloh's owner who tests Marty's word and devotion for Shiloh.
  The theme is when you love someone or something you are willing to do anything. In this book Marty loves Shiloh so much, he hides him, lies to his family, steals food and works to earn him.
  The plot begins when Marty finds a beagle dog in the hills and names him Shiloh. Shiloh belongs to Judd, a drunk who beats his dogs. Marty's dad makes him return Shiloh to Judd. Shiloh runs back to Marty. Marty hides Shiloh, but his parents find out when Shiloh gets attacked by another dog. While Shiloh is healing, Judd tells Marty he will sell Shiloh for $40.00, and he can work over at his place. Marty agrees and starts work, but Judd says he can't have Shiloh. Marty is surprised but continues to work. He returns the next couple of days although Judd tries to make him quit by making his work harder. Marty keeps working because he knows Shiloh needs him. On the last day of work, Judd gives Marty a collar for his new dog.
  I really liked this book because it made me feel sad, happy, frustrated, relieved, scared, angry, hopeful and triumphant! My favorite part was when Marty's mom snuck up on him and saw Shiloh. It was shock because I wasn't expecting his mom to follow him and when he turned around she was right there. I felt relieved because Marty didn't have to keep secrets anymore.
  My overall opinion is that it was an excellent book about a boy and his dog. I recommend this book to dog lovers and non dog lovers alike. I will be reading the next two books in this series.
  
  A review by Austin 9yrs old.
  
  

• Gives new meaning to caring for a pet

  
  By A27VJVE1SKAU8C on 2001-11-03
  To keep Shiloh, a white beagle with brown and black spots, Marty Preston has to do more than keep a water dish filled and train his dog not to go the bathroom indoors. He has to build a special pen, buy food with his own allowance, and even do some odd jobs for extra money. Also, as Shiloh is really someone else's dog, Marty has to lie and keep secrets from his parents and friends. He excuses his actions with the fact that Shiloh is better off with him than with the abusive original owner--which is, I know, justification enough for most readers. The novel is not that simplistic, though: Marty eventually realizes that he will have to come clean, even if it will mean losing his dog.

  The characters in "Shiloh" are well-drawn and realistic. It was nice to read about complex people who love animals, grow up with guns and occasionally hunt for their own food. Their West Virginian dialect is a pleasure to read. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's observations, through Marty's eyes, really seem like an eleven-year-old boy's, not a grown woman writer's. Moreover, her pace, like her integrity as a storyteller, never lags.

  This is a great book for teaching children not just about dogs and other pets, but about right and wrong. Nothing is purely white or purely black in this novel, not even the "villian," Judd Travers. There is a powerful scene near the climax when Marty starts asking himself questions about what is ethical and what is not--about whether or not the ends justify the means. All the scenes that follow show how a young boy, through his love for his dog, learns life lessons about maturity, responsibility and respect.

  Despite all this complexity, the lessons of "Shiloh", like its theme, are very simple. They are the universal values that all children pick up for themselves whenever they truly experience life.
  
  

• A well loved classic that deserves your time and affection...
  By ANCOMAI0I7LVG on 2007-06-15
  `Shiloh' was one of my favorite novels as a young boy. I can still remember reading it in school and being fascinated with the concept, with the storyline and underlining morals that forced me to think about things in a way I never had before. The overall plot may seem to be simple enough. A young boy named Marty finds a beagle he names Shiloh (after the place he found him). The dog, as it so happens, is being abused by his master Judd and Marty vows to rescue the dog whatever way he can. The great thing about `Shiloh' is that it's not that simple.
  
  Phyllis Reynolds Naylor beautifully creates a moral battle within this young boy and everyone around him. Ethically taking this dog would be stealing, and stealing is wrong. But on the other hand of ethics there is the fact that bringing this dog back to his owner would mean subjecting a helpless creature to pain and fear. When his parents are telling him the right thing is to return the animal that is not rightly his, but his heart is telling him that returning him is not an option Marty has to decide for himself the right path to take.
  
  Children's novels have a history of presenting moral issues subtly, but here the conflict of morality is presented bluntly and left for the reader to learn along with Marty. When Marty becomes determined to keep Shiloh any way that he can he comes up with an idea that may appease both side of the issue. I'll leave that for you to read on your own.
  
  Be aware that `Shiloh' is classic children's literature and will remain in your hearts forever after your first reading. It's the definition of satisfying reading no matter what your age is, boy or girl, man or woman I promise that this is not an experience you'll regret. It's a relatable story because it exposes a principle that all humans, children and adults alike with be tested on in there day to day and despite what you may initially think, there's a lot to be learned from this boy and his dog.
  
  
• Very Good
  By A1XTWXIMUCDGQE on 2001-02-20
  Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a very good children's novel. "Boy and their dog stories" have been kind of a staple in children's literature since Ouida's A Dog of Flanders, and this is one of the better examples. This book is narrated by Marty, and eleven-year-old from a very poor West Virginia family. He happens upon a dog one day who has noticably been abused. Marty falls for the dog, but he doesn't want to return it to its owner. Ethical questions are raised as to whether he should return the dog or keep it (steal) and lie to his parents. This novel presents a good and well-written story. It also raises some thought provoking questions and teaches some marvelous lessons. My favorite aspect of the novel was the way in which the family was written about. The setting and speech are captured exactly. The situation of a dirt-poor family that loves each other and is working to better itself is presented brilliantly. Children should read Shiloh.
  
  
• Time well spent
  By A1Q4D46VM8NVR3 on 2000-03-08
  Over the course of 4 nights as I real aloud to my son we took every advantage of this wonderful story to talk about courage, friendship, honesty, and responsibility.

  The main character, Marty is a wonderful character for children to experience because he has fears, concerns, and has trouble with a problem that is larger than he could every imagine, but he proves himself worthy in the end.
  
  

• The bond between a boy and a dog
  By A3QZCA4LTTVGAD on 2001-10-11
  "Shiloh," the novel by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, received the 1992 Newbery Medal "for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." While the book is certainly ideal for younger readers, don't be misled by either the award or the publisher's marketing approach: this moving, well-written book is good for adults, too.

  "Shiloh" takes place in rural West Virginia. It tells the story of Marty, an 11-year old boy who seeks to shelter an abused beagle from his hard-hearted owner. Reynolds lets Marty tell his story in the first person, and her excellent prose captures the rhythms of rural West Virginia speech (and I say this because I spend a lot of time there with my extended family). Reynolds had me hooked with her opening sentence: "The day Shiloh come, we're having us a big Sunday dinner." Reynold's skill at rendering American vernacular speech evokes, in my mind, favorable comparisons to such authors as Zora Neale Hurston and Alice Walker.

  "Shiloh" is rich with the details of life in that region: the food, the hunting, and social customs. Reynolds creates a wonderful portrait of a poor but loving family. But the heart of the book is the way she captures the special bond between a boy and his dog.

  "Shiloh" is an "issue" book in the sense that it deals with animal cruelty, but Reynolds wisely tells a realistic story without overtly preaching at the reader. But the book still raises very relevant issues. Marty's moral dilemma is not presented as an easy "black-and-white" situation. Shiloh's owner, Judd, is not a cardboard villain. Marty's ethical and theological inner struggle is comparable to that of the title character in Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Like Huck, Marty is a compelling hero: courageous, loyal, and thoughtful.

  In short, "Shiloh" is a contemporary classic, a book with true moral and psychological resonance. Naylor's portrayal of the enduring ties between a child and a beloved animal is comparable to such enduring works as John Steinbeck's "The Red Pony." This moving book deserves a wide audience.
  
  

• Shiloh By Rigo
  By on 2007-04-30
  SHILOH
  
  By: Rigo
  
  
  There was a pour family and they had to find food to eat. They did not have enough money to buy food, clothes, or pets. One day, a kid name Marty went to go hunt food and he sees a dog whimpering. So he took him home and did not tell his parents because he knew that his parents will say that they can not keep the dog. He wondered what happened to the dog because the dog wood always limp. Marty called the dog Shiloh. Then Marty thought that maybe his oner treated him bad.
  
  
  One day a guy named Juged Travers said to give him his dog back. He told his parents and they said it was fine. Then they made a bet for the dog. Marty got him and had to work to get money for the dog. They went good.
  
  If you like dogs you will like this book that why I read it.
  
  
  
  
  
• Shiloh
  By on 2004-03-11
  The book I just read was Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Set in West Virginia. This story tells a tale of friendship. Marty is a character who is helpful to others, especially to a dog named Shiloh. Shiloh is known to be hopeful. Marty wants Shiloh but there is someone holding him back.
  This book is a must read! The book brings your hopes up so much that they will want to keep turning the pages to see if he gets Shiloh. Shiloh and Marty go on adventures together together to form a great relationship. The reader becomes emotionally connected to the dog. The connection would be so great that it would change your mind about getting a beagle. Beagles like Shiloh can fill your heart with warmth at first sight.
  Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a great author with great respect. Phyllis got into writing about Shiloh because she saw a beagle on the side of the road abused. She wrote first book when she was five. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor was so into writing that she quit graduate school to start writing full time. This book was so great that I think anyone would like Shiloh even if they don't like dogs.
  
  
• Shiloh
  By on 2002-03-14
  If you want to read a great book by Phyllis Naylor,
  you have to read Shiloh. Our class really enjoyed this
  novel about a beagle and a great main character that
  show courage and determination. The book made you think
  about what is right and wrong,and we all "got our eyes
  opened some." Get your teacher to teach this novel.It
  could change your heart!
  
  Mrs. Bigsby's 4th grade class
  
  
• BEST BOOK READ
  By on 2000-12-04
  I LIKED THE BEGINING . IT WAS REALLY GOOD AND I WOULD NOT OF CHANGED IT FOR THE WORLD. THE BOOK IS ABOUT A BOY WHO WANTS A DOG MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD. BUT WHILE TRYING TO GET HIS DOG HE MUST OVERCOME MANY OBSTACLES. MY FAVORITE PART IS THE END. IT'S WHERE MARTY GETS HIS DOG THAT HE DREAMED OF FOR SO LONG, AND WORKED SO HARD FOR. THE END WAS AS GOOD AS THE THE ENTIRE BOOK
  
  
• "Marty' Growth from Childhood Innoncence to Adult Maturity"
  By A12NJDXB54KILO on 2000-05-03
  The children's novel Shiloh is about a young boy, Marty Preston, who encounters a stray dog on one of his summer adventures through the West Virginia countryside. Marty befriends the dog only to find out that he belongs to Judd Travers, a hunter who abuses his dogs. Knowing in his heart that he cannot return the dog he has named Shiloh, Marty cares for the dog himself and eventually ends up working to buy Shiloh from Judd. Throughout this story, the character of eleven-year-old Marty goes through a metamorphosis as he develops from innocence to maturity with an understanding that life is not always just, and adult responsibility is complicated. At the beginning of the story, Marty is just an ordinary child enjoying a summer of frolicking in the hills of West Virginia with his .22 rifle. His moral development begins when he sees Shiloh for the first time and realizes he has been abused because of the dog's reluctant and almost fearful nature. After Marty decides to keep Shiloh, his internal conflicts begin when first he is forced to deal with the issue of legality versus morality. He knows that Shiloh legally belongs to Judd; however, Marty knows that the dog will end up being starved or even killed if he returns to his owner. Secondly, Marty feels anxious for deceiving his family. He has kept Shiloh a secret, and he has used food to feed Shiloh that the family needs. Marty feels great remorse for the pitiful impression he gives others of his family as he asks Mrs. Howard for extra cookies and Mr. Howard for scraps of cheese; however, he feels Shiloh's well-being is worth his family's reputation for being poor. The last "internal conflict" that Marty wrestles with is the issue of whether the dog is worth the hard labor Marty has to give to Judd in order to keep Shiloh. Judd Travers makes him slave away, almost unfairly, to win the legal rights of the dog. Throughout this novel, Marty learns the value of responsibility and all that it entails along with the costs of doing what is morally right. Jeanne Harms and Lucille Lettow propose that, ".. dialoguing with oneself the reader brings different inner audiences into the reading experience, thus expanding the possibilities for creating meaning" (Harms 210). By analyzing Marty's character development, it is evident to the reader that these "internal voices" cause the protagonist to become a strong and successful character, and therefore by reading this book, the reader deals with the "inner voices" along with Marty. This novel forces the reader, child or adult, to battle out similar situations and, in effect, gain far more from the book than just a simple moral. This in turn, causes readers to grow personally by relating to the situations of conflict such as lying to family or doing what is right versus what is legal. By dialoguing with oneself the reader brings different inner audiences into the reading experience (Harms 210). Marty's "internal conflict" is the driving force behind his character development
  
  
• A book to teach morals
  By A2DP7J80MGZG1H on 1999-12-08
  This book isn't a lot of fun, but it is very interesting and has some good things to teach anyone who reads it. Marty's descion about Shiloh will agree or disagree with many readers and spark some good debates. The style of writing, the way it is totally in the present tense and the way Marty talks in his southern way is very original and beautiful. It's a good book for what it is but I wouldn't reccomend it to everyone.
  
  
• Jake From Lake Tapps says "THIS BOOK IS A REAL PAGE-TURNER"
  By on 2009-01-08
  If you want a book that's a real page-turner that you'll never want to put down. Than read a book that I really enjoyed called Shiloh. You'll love it!
  The great book that I'm writ ting about is Shiloh the author is Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. I give this book five stars because it was a great page-turner that I enjoyed very much. This book is a great realistic fiction book. This book is 144 pages long and is a great medium-sized book that I loved and I think you'll love it also.
  My favorite part was when Shiloh followed Marty, the main character home. Then Marty made a pen for Shiloh, which no one knew about. I think they really met at that part, it was great.
  Shiloh the book is mainly about a dog named Shiloh and a boy named Marty. First a dog just followed Marty home. Marty grew to love the dog so he named him Shiloh then, he made a pen for him up in his father's woods......... no one knew. Then Marty's ma, Lou, found out and promised not to tell. But, that night they heard squealing from the woods.... Shiloh was injured. Bad.
  So, Dad and Marty took him to Doc Murphy, the doctor, and he helped them by stitching Shiloh up. But by morning the whole family knew. Then Judd, the original Shiloh owner found out and you'll have to read the rest of the book to find out what happens next! A few other great books that are in the Shiloh series are Shiloh Season and Saving Shiloh. Another similar book is called Old Yeller. It is also a great book. Although these are great books they are not for everyone as these books may be a little disturbing and they cuss once or twice. I recommend these books for ages 9 to adult. I recommend this book for kids but it is also great for adults. I think you will absolutely love it. It has great parts, bad parts, sad parts and mad parts. Overall, I thought this was the best book ever.
  
  
  
• SHILOH by: Zachary C
  By on 2007-04-30
  The place where the boy Marty lives was a poor town, and I thawt the beginning was pretty good. But about the middle when the mom says she keeps secrets from her husband. That was a little unrealistic. What I think the writer should have written was that she tells her husband every thing but this time she didn't. I don't realy think the part with Shiloh in the cage and a dog broke in and tore up Shiloh like a toy. That's not that realistic I don't think he would survive. Other than these two things the rest of the story was pretty good.
  
  
  
  Now they think that was the best in the story was the part when he played with Shiloh it was so good. I loved this book a lot and I thank you will like it too.
  
  
  
• Shiloh
  By on 2007-04-30
  
  
  
  There was a boy named Marty,that lived in a poor neighborhood.
  One day Marty was walking,a dog followed him home. Marty knew
  his parents would'nt let him keep the dog. But Marty really wanted
  to keep him, so Marty put the dog in a shed that Marty had built.
  Marty gave the dog a name, he named the dog Shiloh.
  
  A couple of days later Judd Travers(a hunter)came to Marty's
  house,his dad answered the door.A couple of seconds later
  later the dad called Marty downstairs and asked Marty if
  he had seen a dog.Marty said no but he looked suspicious.
  
  Soon the parents found out and Marty got in big trouble.
  So did he keep the dog or did he have to take it back?
  To find out read the book.By:Shayla
  
  
  
• Wonderful and sad
  By on 2006-03-20
  Have you ever wanted to help an animal who has been mistreated? Well, the book Shiloh by Phyllis R. Naylor is the perfect book for you.
  In this book a boy, Marty finds a dog who has been mistreated by Judd Travers, a hunter. Judd kicks and beats the dog because he's too weak to be a hunting dog. All Marty wants to do is rescue the dog so it won't be mistreated. Marty tries to keep the dog in his backyard whitout his parents noticing. Will he ever ben able to keep the dog and have Judd never hurt him?
  My favorite part was when Shiloh, the dog came home from the hospital without dying.
  I recommend this book to third graders and higher but if you're younger this book might be too long. Also, they might not understand the slang language.
  By a Third Grader
  
  
• One of the most smooth and marvelous books of all times.
  By on 2005-10-21
  I enjoyed reading this book in the 5th grade, because it's one of the best and most fantastic books I've read of all times.I also, recommend this book to vetenarians and or pet lovers because, it's shows you how some people hurt animals.That's why I think we shall try to attempt that from happening.In the story, a man named Judd, abuses one of the most precious dog species ever a... beagle. Then, one boiling hot Sunday a boy named Marty, spies him hiding under bushes at the bottom of the bridge over the water,and guess what? That's how he got name "Shiloh".There they start a friendship that will never be departed.But the question is will Judd abuse Shiloh again or is Shiloh going to stay at a more peaceful home.
  
  
• A very good book
  By on 2002-09-20
  The title for my book is Shiloh. It is a good book. It is a good book because it talks about dogs. The book is about a dog that comes to a boys house. The boy's name is Marty. He builds a pin for it. He don't won't to give the dog back to the owner because he mistreats it.
  
  
• I LOVE THIS BOOK! IT�S THE GREATEST BOOK EVER!
  By on 1999-11-18
  I loved how Marty and Shiloh had a terrific bond together. If you want to curl up with a good book, buy this book today. I wonder why Judd treats his dog so bad. If Shiloh was my dog I would love him forever and ever!
  
  
• A Beagle Named Shiloh
  By on 2003-05-29
  Shiloh, by Phyllis Naylor, is a story of boy and a dog. Marty, the boy, is walking when he sees a hurt, hungry dog by Shiloh School. He becomes attached to it and names it Shiloh (after the school). Only later he is devastated to learn Shiloh belongs to Judd Travis, a mean man who mistreats animals and hunts out of season. Marty is forced to give him back to Judd until one day when Shiloh runs away again, and returns to Marty. Marty hides him at his hill, giving him food and starts building up lies.

  The idea of this book is that it is better to tell the truth than to build up lies to get something. Marty lies and lies to keep Shiloh, giving hard earned food to him.

  Shiloh is written in a first person style. You can tell Marty doesn't have much of an education because of his grammar. For example, "A lie don't seem a lie anymore when it's meant to save a dog, right and wrongs all mixed up in my head". Another example is "I figure a dog's the same as a kid. You don't treat a kid right, he'll run off first chance he gets, too".

  Marty's world takes place in the hills behind Friendly, West Virginia. You can tell that Marty lives in an old house and isn't having the easiest time with money. However, the family is still happy, and works hard for their food (which he gives Shiloh) that they eat.

  Marty is an average 11 year old boy. He is determined to get what he wants, and has a certain way to reach his goal (even if he must lie).

  Shiloh is a beagle, hungry and tired at first. He never cries and always behaves. He is extremely cute, and as you get to know him throughout the story, you can't help but wish he was your dog.

  The book Shiloh is based on an event Phyllis Naylor went through, so the book is realistic fiction. When Phyllis Naylor visited West Virginia, she saw the saddest looking dog in her life. So, she wrote a book about it. Later, her friends in West Virginia told her they found the dog, took him in, and named him Clover.

  Shiloh is a touching story I suggest for all dog lovers, or simply someone who wants a good story. Shiloh is the kind of book that makes you want to continue to read no matter what time or place. You constantly flip the pages.
  
  

• book review for Shiloh
  By on 1999-12-31
  I really like this book so I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars. Below I'm going to explain what I like and didn't like about the book.

  At the beginning of the book I really liked how Shiloh always followed Marty around and tried to become friends. Shiloh would follow Marty across the bridge and to his house when he went outside. When Marty got to know Shiloh really well he would feed and take care of Shiloh. Marty did this because he knew that Judd didn't take care of his hunting dogs very well.

  In the middle of the book I liked how Marty comes up with many ways to earn money so he can buy Shiloh from Judd. Marty thinks about collecting alumnium cans, recycling glass bottles, baby sitting or delivering catalogs. But finally he decides to work for Judd. At Judd's house Marty has to do all the chores to earn enough money to buy Shiloh.

  By the time I got to the end of the story there were somethings I didn't like. For example, when Judd threatened to shoot Shiloh because he wasn't a very good hunting dog. There were also some parts of the book that were confusing. Finally, I didn't like it when Shiloh was caught in the hunting trap.
  
  

• CGE Student Review
  By on 2009-06-02
  Shiloh
  The author who wrote this book was Phyllis Naylor. The other book that he wrote was King of the Playground, Roxy and the hooligans, a spy Among the Girls, Saving Shiloh. The genre was non fiction and the book theme is kind of said. The main characters are Marty, Becky, Shiloh, Ma, Dad, and Judd Travers and my favorite character is Marty because he cares for a dog that has came to him and that Marty thinks that Judd should not treat his doges bad because Marty thinks that is wrong and that he should name his dogs like a real name like Shiloh and other names of his dogs.
  Marty wants to keep Shiloh but he didn't want Judd to keep him or he would beat the daylights out of Shiloh and that was not what Marty to happen to him and when mart first saw him Judd he did not feed him and Judd put him right in front of the other dogs so that will teach him not to run away from him again but Shiloh did and Judd did not find him for a while until the German Sheppard bit him in his leg and part of Shiloh's ear was hanging off of his body and when one of Judd friends found him on the back porch of doc Murphy's porch and then he told Judd and he went over to Marty's house and found him hurt. You would have to read the book to find out the end.
  I would to like to recommend this book this book to people that like dogs and care for dogs and that does not that like to abuse dogs than this is what the should read.
  That this book is all about a dog that Marty found at the Shiloh school house and that Marty had fell in love with this dog and he didn't want Judd to have because he always treat his dog wrong and that felt wrong to Marty and that he didn't want Judd to beat him so he Kept it from and made sure that no one found out about him.
  
  
  
• Shiloh
  By A35CCGJDNXUDY9 on 2008-09-20
  This tender, loving, dignified story about Marty and his dog is a jewel. In this book, Marty rescues Shiloh from his savage owner, Judd Travers. Marty, having fallen in love with the sweet and comical beagle, lets nothing stop him from becoming Shiloh's owner. This young boy shows true love and devotion to his cause, inspiring the reader to imitate Marty by letting nothing stop us from pursuing our hearts' desire.
  
  
• A Great Read for All
  By A1SU5BGXH7WB8 on 2008-05-12
  Title: Shiloh
  Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
  Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
  Date: Paperback edition 2000
  
  This is a fantastic book for all ages. Shiloh deals with important ethical issues that anyone can relate to. I especially recommend this book for middle school students, as I think they will find its message especially compelling.
  
  In 1990, Shiloh won the coveted Newbery Award. It is a quick fiction read, with only 156 pages. According to Scholastic, the book is at a Grade Level equivalent of 4-6, a Lexile Framework of 890, or a 5.6 Reading Level.
  
  Shiloh tells the story of Marty, an eleven-year old boy living in rural West Virginia. His family has close relationship and strong values. Living in the country, there is an established set of social norms that all families live by. When Marty stumbles across a young beagle hiding behind a bush, he is forced to grapple with these strict social norms in his quest to define right from wrong.
  
  After spotting the Beagle, Marty notices that the dog won't stop following him. The dog is skinny and desperately in need of a meal and some love. After coxing the dog into his arms, Marty quickly falls in love with his new found friend. He names him Shiloh, and because of his owners apparent neglect and abuse, Marty vows to take care of him.
  
  Marty quickly discovers that the dog belongs to ornery man by the name of Judd Travers. After taking care of Shiloh for some time, his parents discover the dog and demand that Marty return him to his owner. In spite of his better instincts, Marty returns Shiloh to Judd Travers.
  
  Adding to the plot, Shiloh manages to escape again and find his way back to Marty. This time Marty is faced with a difficult ethical dilemma: should he return the dog to his abusive owner, or should he defy his parents to keep and protect Shiloh?
  
  After an accident in the woods, Marty's parents once again discover his secret. Despite their growing affection for the dog, his parents demand that he return the dog again to its rightful owner. At this point , Marty is so desperate to keep the dog, he offers to do almost any thing for Judd, so long as he can have Shiloh back.
  
  The book is riveting and keeps the reader engaged all the way to the last page. The characters are well developed; the reader truly feels Marty's pain as he grapples with his difficult situation. This book is a must read for all animal lovers or anyone learning to make difficult decisions.
  
  As a caveat, children without a rural background may have trouble understanding or relating to Shiloh. The book uses beautiful imagery to describe the scenery of rural West Virginia; however, this may not appeal to someone who grew up in an urban setting.
  
  
  
• Shiloh, a really great book!
  By on 2007-05-05
  This is a fiction animal story by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
  The protagonist is a boy Marty Preston. Other characters are Shiloh and Judd Travelers. Shiloh is a dog who helps Marty learn perservance. Judd is Shiloh's owner who tests Marty's word and devotion for Shiloh.
  The theme is when you love someone or something you are willing to do anything. In this book Marty loves Shiloh so much, he hides him, lies to his family, steals food and works to earn him.
  The plot begins when Marty finds a beagle dog in the hills and names him Shiloh. Shiloh belongs to Judd, a drunk who beats his dogs. Marty's dad makes him return Shiloh to Judd. Shiloh runs back to Marty. Marty hides Shiloh, but his parents find out when Shiloh gets attacked by another dog. While Shiloh is healing, Judd tells Marty he will sell Shiloh for $40.00, and he can work over at his place. Marty agrees and starts work, but Judd says he can't have Shiloh. Marty is surprised but continues to work. He returns the next couple of days although Judd tries to make him quit by making his work harder. Marty keeps working because he knows Shiloh needs him. On the last day of work, Judd gives Marty a collar for his new dog.
  I really liked this book because it made me feel sad, happy, frustrated, relieved, scared, angry, hopeful and triumphant! My favorite part was when Marty's mom snuck up on him and saw Shiloh. It was shock because I wasn't expecting his mom to follow him and when he turned around she was right there. I felt relieved because Marty didn't have to keep secrets anymore.
  My overall opinion is that it was an excellent book about a boy and his dog. I recommend this book to dog lovers and non dog lovers alike. I will be reading the next two books in this series.
  
  A review by Austin 9yrs old.
  
  
• Shiloh
  By on 2006-11-30
  The book Shiloh should be read because it is a great, exciting book,and it makes you wanna keep on reading it. This book is for dog lovers and ages between 6-14! This book is about a boy named marty,that finds a dog in the woods, and names him Shiloh. He finds out that Shiloh belongs to a mean man named Judd Travers, and fights to keep Shiloh. Marty makes a deal with Judd Travers,gets Shiloh,and Judd Travers and Marty become friends.
  
  
• Well Deserved Newbery Winner, But Some Reservations
  By A2EIBZZWRFXMAX on 2006-08-20
  Shiloh is the winner of the 1992 Newbery Medal, and it tells the story of Marty Preston, an 11-year-old boy, and his efforts to rescue a mistreated beagle, Shiloh. Though Marty believes Shiloh came to him for help, his father makes it clear that he must not interfere in their neighbor's business, even if that neighbor is Judd Travers, a thoroughly unlikable man who abuses his dogs. When Shiloh comes to him a second time though, Marty has to choose between his love for Shiloh or obedience to his father. Though I had to do some minor editing while reading aloud to my preschool-aged children, this is a very engaging story full of struggle, devotion, and suspense that had my son (and hubby) begging for more. Naylor expertly reeled us in from the first chapter as we got wrapped up in Marty's concern for Shiloh and she kept us expectantly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
  
  Positive Elements: Marty and his family are very hard-working and ethical. Though they don't appear to attend church regularly, Marty often prays and considers what Jesus would think about his actions. Marty's devotion and loyalty to Shiloh push him into moral dilemmas (some parents may view this as a negative), including blackmail and lying, which I used as a springboard to discuss these issues with my children.
  
  Negative Elements: There are scenes that some children will find frightening or disturbing, including the mistreatment of animals and the killing of a deer. There is some mention of alcohol consumption and also some language that I edited out as I read, including vain reference to God.
  
  

• King Of The Playground
• Roxie and the Hooligans

• Saving Shiloh
• Shiloh Season: Video Tie In Edition
• Because of Winn-Dixie
• A Guide for Using Shiloh in the Classroom
• Maniac Magee