Title: My Life in Dog Years

 

 Paulsen, G. (1998). My life in dog years . New York : Yearling.

 Genre: Non-fiction/Autobiography

Interest Level: Grades 4-6

Reading Level: 5.2 (Fifth Grade Second Month)

Summary:

In his book, My Life in Dog Years, author, Gary Paulsen, chronicles his life through the remarkable dogs that have experienced it with him.   With every chapter, the reader becomes acquainted with one of Paulsen’s canine friends. Yet, this novel isn’t just about Paulsen’s dogs; embedded is the story of Gary Paulsen’s troubled childhood and journey to adulthood, although the latter is interlaced in a very subtle manner. In this novel, the reader gets the privilege of meeting Dirk - Paulsen’s guardian and defender, Ike- his shadowy hunting companion, Rex- the farmer, Caesar-the giant, and Josh-his best friend, just to name a few. Paulsen’s tone is conversational; it feels as though he is sitting right next to you telling his story. Children and dog lovers of all ages will enjoy this wonderfully sweet and touching memoir.

Reflection:

Life is funny. As I perused the recommended list for this genre, I noticed this novel, pondered it for a moment, and then moved on. I actually chose another book to read, had it checked out and sitting on my table. For days, I kept looking at it; nothing about it made me want to open it up and read it, so I began perusing the list once more. Again, I saw this title, pondered it for a moment, but this time I quickly decided to put in a library request. Wow, am I ever so glad that I did! This is just a wonderful nonfiction, autobiographical book; one of the best I have ever read. The black and white illustrations were perfection; although simple, they remarkably captured each dog’s personality and helped me get to know them. After reading each chapter, I would look back at the illustration and think, “Yep, I know you!”

I enjoyed this book so much that if anyone in my family happened to pass by as I was reading, I would holler, “Wait, you have to hear this!” Not many books from this genre have made me so passionate about having an audience! I wanted my family to share with me and hear the honest, humorous, and humble ways that Paulsen shared his life with these dogs. This book is full of life lessons that aren’t preachy or humdrum; they actually promote reflection and serve as a reminder for us humans to be patient and practice acceptance without judgment.  I plan on purchasing this book for my father, who is also a dog lover, and who also has a Border Collie; his name is Bandit.  Like Paulsen, my dad would say, “He is… real. No, more than that, he is a person. I do not think in my heart that he is a dog.”