First Line Friday Featuring: A Dog Like Daisy

Someone mentioned that as of September 1, the “meteorological summer” was over. That led me on a fun Google rabbit trail of the difference between meteorological and astrological seasons, but it doesn’t change the fact that here in Oklahoma the temperature is still well into the 90’s and the heat index is over 100 nearly every day. I did put up my leafy harvest decorations last weekend though, since I doubt I will have time to do it when fall actually gets here.

Of course, the main reason that I feel so busy these days is school, which ties in nicely to today’s post and the book I’m highlighting. Although I rarely talk about children’s books on this blog, I want to share with y’all some of the fun books that I come across in my children’s lit class. These will be books that I personally enjoyed and see value in and that I believe other readers of various ages will, too. Don’t worry, I will still talk about plenty of books aimed at a more mature audience, but I think it will be fun to throw some children’s books into the mix. This is partially because I liked the first book I read for this class so much that I really want to talk about it! A Dog Like Daisy is a wonderful example of a book written for children that adults will enjoy and appreciate, too. Just because it’s labeled juvenile fiction doesn’t mean it won’t have plenty to say to readers of all ages.

First Line Friday is a weekly linkup hosted at Hoarding Books. To participate, share the first line of a book of your choice, add the link to the linkup on the host’s page, and check out what others are reading and sharing!

The First Line:

The cage I’m in squeaks when I move, and the sound makes me picture tiny scratches of the color yellow, like toy lightning.

About the Book

Title: A Dog Like Daisy

Author: Kristin O’Donnell Tubb

Genre: Juvenile Contemporary Fiction; Fiction about Animals

Synopsis: Daisy has only ten weeks to prove her usefulness or else be sent back to the pound. Yet if she goes back, who will protect Colonel Victor from his PTSD attacks? Or save the littler human, Micah, from those infernal ear muzzles he calls earphones? What if no one ever adopts her again?

Determined to become the elite protector the colonel needs, Daisy vows to ace the service dog test. She’ll accept the ridiculous leash and learn to sit, heel, shake, even do your business, Daisy when told to. But Daisy must first learn how to face her own fears from the past or risk losing the family she’s so desperate to guard — again.

A Dog Like Daisy won the 2019 Sequoyah Children’s Book Award. While I don’t know what other books were nominated that year, Daisy definitely is deserving of the distinction. This book addresses PTSD and the effects that deployment can have on all family members in a way that is honest and suitable for young readers. Plus, Daisy is an incredibly lovable dog. What animal lover could resist that cover?

That’s all for today! If you’re so inclined, share in the comments about a book written for a younger audience that you think adults would enjoy or should read, too. Or, tell me how you feel about autumn and how soon you expect it to arrive where you live!

Until the next chapter,

Jana