Dogtown 

By Katherine Applegate, Gennifer Choldenko, and Wallace West

Informational Resources:

Author Information:

Katherine Applegate's website

https://katherineapplegate.com/

Gennifer Choldenko's website

https://gennifercholdenko.com/

Illustrator Information:

Wallace West's website

https://www.wallacewest.com/

Activities & Resources:

Shelter Animals:

Kids reading to animals at a shelter (2:26)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etKsQ3o9jho

Make a no sew blanket for an animal in a shelter

https://www.washingtonpashelter.org/no-sew-blankets/

Set up a lemonade stand to raise money for shelter pet needs

https://lemonadeday.org/blog/how-to-start-a-lemonade-stand

Write and illustrate your own story about a dog that finds their forever home (2:35)

https://www.youtube.com./watch?v=NVHlTfmPnOM

Pet Dogs:

Make a dog toy for your pet with what you have at home

https://www.care.com/c/17-diy-dog-toys-how-to-make-fun-safe-toys-f/

See how disabled pets are inspiring disabled children

https://barkingbuddhapet.com/how-disabled-animals-are-inspiring-disabled-children/

Homemade Dog Treats

https://www.thecookierookie.com/pb-dog-treats/

Robots:

Incredible robot animals that amaze the imagination (21:26)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShLlmNV3snk

Dog Crafts:

Paper plate dog craft

https://www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com/2023/04/paper-plate-dog.html

Learn how to draw a cute puppy (2:44)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re4aKD1mHAg&list=PLnoO3k54vcBTxCiWGrWN3N5Lf_aXojjpr&index=21

MakerSpace Activities:

Make an origami dog face

https://origami.guide/easy-origami/easy-origami-dog-face/

Make a no sew bandana for a dog

https://www.joann.com/no-sew-pet-bandana/261934709P67.html

Code and Go Mouse Activity to find their way to the cheese (2:55)

https://youtu.be/VSwGHgUgkl4

Make a map to find treasure or your ideal destination

https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/lets-make-a-map

Build a replica of your dog with Magna Tiles (5:44)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GwowQiw89U

Discussion Questions:

How does the setting of Dogtown contribute to the themes of the story?

What role does the character of Mouse play in the story, and how does he evolve throughout the book?

What are some of the lessons in Dogtown, and how do the characters learn them?

How does the author use animal characters to highlight human emotions and experiences?

In what ways does Dogtown explore the concept of belonging and community?

How does the friendship between Chance, Metal Head and Mouse help them navigate the challenges they face?

What is the significance of the book’s title, and how does it relate to the central themes of the book?

How do the characters’ relationships with other animals in the shelter differ from their relationships with humans?

How does the author use language and description to create an emotional connection between the animals in the shelter and the reader?

What is the importance of trust in the story, and how do the characters grapple with it?

How do the characters in Dogtown deal with loss, and how does it shape their behavior?

In what ways does Dogtown explore issues of isolation and loneliness?

What role does hope play in the characters’ development and in the resolution of the story?

How do the events in the book challenge or reinforce your views on loyalty?

What does the book say about resilience in the face of adversity?

How does the narrative structure of Dogtown affect your understanding of the plot and the characters?

How does the character of Chance in the book symbolize certain human experiences or emotions?

In what ways do the characters grow over the course of the novel, and how do their personal journeys impact the overall message of the book?

What are the themes of change and transformation in the book?

If you could ask the authors one question about Dogtown, what would it be and why?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader's theater for Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko.

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes: 

Blabey, Aaron.  The Bad Guys. Mr. Wolf. Mr. Shark. Mr. Snake. Mr. Piranha. They're bad guys, everybody knows that. They're scary and dangerous and well…just BAD. But these guys want to be heroes. And they're going to prove it by doing good deeds…like rescuing those dogs from the city pound. Will the Bad Guys become the Good Guys when the dust settles? (NoveList Plus)

Ecton, Emily.  The Great Pet Heist. When their owner is injured in a pet-triggered accident, the mostly good dog Butterbean rallies her fellow pets to devise a plan of self-care by stealing a mysterious stranger’s supplies in case they become homeless. (NoveList Plus)

Grabenstein, Chris. Dog Squad. Fred, a scrappy and lovable dog, gets cast as a stand-in for the lead role in Dog Squad, a show about crime-fighting dogs, and he soon finds out the action doesn't always stop on screen. (NoveList Plus)

Patterson, James. Dog Diaries: A Middle School Story. When his misbehavior forces his rule-breaking young owner to enroll him in obedience training, Junior, the exuberant mutt, must overcome naughty habits having to do with critters, mail carriers, irresistible smells and the terrifying vacuum cleaner to avoid returning to the pound. (NoveList Plus)

Varon, Sara.  Robot Dreams. After best friends Robot and Dog spend a happy day at the beach, Robot's joints freeze up—they've become rusted through by the water. Dog is powerless to help Robot, who can't move an inch and is too heavy for Dog to carry. Eventually, Dog makes the difficult decision to leave Robot there, and return alone to the life they shared. The memory of their friendship lingers, and as the seasons pass, Dog makes (and loses) new friends, from a melting snowman to epicurean anteaters. But Robot, lying rusting on the beach, finds solace in dreams.(NoveList Plus)

Reviews:

Booklist (September 1, 2023 (Vol. 120, No. 1))

Grades 3-6. The unusual Dogtown shelter provides refuge to both wayward dogs and abandoned robot pups, and there is resentment brewing between the groups. Chance knows he’s lucky to have a good life at the shelter after being injured and abandoned by unscrupulous pet-sitters, but having three legs, he worries that no one will want him, and he’s still hoping to be reunited with his family. Chance can’t understand why Metal Head, a recently discarded robot, refuses to ingratiate himself with potential adopters, preferring to plot a way back to his former owner. The two eventually form an uneasy alliance and, with additional assistance from a resident mouse, escape the confines of the shelter for an outdoor adventure. But their path home will be anything but straightforward. The tension and humor are beautifully balanced in this sympathetic story, and the delightfully distinct voices and memorable characters are enormous fun. Brief chapters set a brisk pace, and charming black-and-white illustrations are incredibly appealing. A sweet spotlight on shelter animals that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining.