(2) 4-6 These fifteen stories concerning the otherworldly include folktales and more contemporary tales. The traditional stories make this collection stand out, and Hearne makes manifest the depth of symbolism that comes from the polish of centuries of oral tradition. The narrative aim of her contemporary tales is more transparent, but the contrast of styles makes for rich comparison. An afterword provides sources.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2007

(1) YA Hearne's title for these dozen imaginatively conceived stories is apt. They are not traditional "dog stories"; these dogs are not so much characters as catalysts whose existence precipitates insights, transforms relationships, and changes the lives of human teenagers. In a note, Hearne concludes that "a good story...leaves one both satisfied and wanting more." And so these do.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2003

(2) 4-6 When Louise Tolliver's pesky brother Willie turns his back on an argument to go feed the pigs, she calls after him, "You ARE a pig." Willie disappears at the same time that a blue-eyed pig turns up at the farm, and Hearne plays further tall-tale havoc with the family before she restores order. Down-home humor enlivens the enchantments, and Hearne skillfully builds the escalating mayhem in lightning-quick chapters.

Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2001

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Christy Hale. The setting here is an apartment building, and the large cast of characters includes two babysitters, three kids, and someone claiming to be the janitor. The dialogue is apt and funny, sparkling with rhyming repartee. Dynamic cartoon-style illustrations pick up the story's humor and help keep characters straight with a creative assortment of full-page art, vignettes, and frame sequences.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2000

(4) 4-6 Alice's family differs from their white neighbors in Alabama because her parents believe in racial equality. They move to Tennessee where Alice is again an outsider--especially after telling her classmates she'd stay in school even if it were integrated. Based on events in the author's own childhood, the story contains strong dramatic moments that frequently get lost in day-to-day minutiae.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth