The Summer of Riley

May 21, 2001
Bunting's straightforward story about a boy living in Oregon who learns to accept the loss of loved ones, including his dog, is heartwarming despite some heavy touches. William, 11, has had a rough time with his parents' divorce, his father's absence and his grandfather's recent death. Adopting a dog from the pound helps "close up the empty places inside." But when the dog, Riley, mysteriously begins to chase his neighbor's racehorse, his neighbor calls animal control and Riley is taken away to be destroyed. With the help of his best friend Grace, William makes flyers, write e-mails and composes a letter to the newspaper to convince the commissioner that his dog is worth saving. Pretty soon the whole community is taking sides. A few of the characters' quirks feel contrived, such as Grace's sophisticated vocabulary, and the big hole in front of the house where William and his grandfather had been building a fishpond is an obvious symbol. Overall, though, the tender moments between mother and son, coupled with equally gentle interactions between William and Riley carry the story. Ages 8-12.

Starred review from April 15, 2002

"
Bunting's straightforward story about an Oregon boy who learns to accept the loss of loved ones, including a dog, is heartwarming despite some heavy touches," said PW.
Ages 8-12.

June 1, 2001
Gr 4-6-With the recent death of his grandfather and his parents' decision to separate, 11-year-old William struggles with his grief and anger until an abandoned Lab comes into his life. Boy and dog bond immediately, but then William takes him to visit a neighbor. Without warning, Riley breaks away and begins to chase Peachie's old racehorse, causing injury to him. When the dog runs over to her farm again, she calls the animal-control officers and they take Riley away. Determined to save his pet from a possible death sentence, William begins a publicity campaign to vie for the townspeople's sympathies. Riley is saved when a man offers to take him and train him to keep an airport runway clear of birds. Although William loses the dog he loves, he realizes that he has done his best and begins to accept the changes that are taking place in his life. The interactions among various characters are well developed. This is a thought-provoking story but the resolution, though believable, is not totally satisfying since it gets everyone off the hook without any real change taking place concerning the law or people's attitudes. It is disturbing how quickly everyone except William gives up on Riley. Everything is great when he appears to be "the perfect dog," but one flaw and immediately he becomes a "throwaway" once again. Bunting has really captured the dilemma of our contemporary society, which wants simple solutions to complex situations, often demands perfection, and rejects anything less.-Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2001
When William's dog chases his neighbor's horse, the animal control officers take Riley away. William spends the summer trying to save Riley's life since an Oregon law says a dog who chases livestock must be put to sleep. At the last moment, he finds a new home for Riley in Texas. Although an episode in which a bully reveals his fears pushes credulity, William's struggle is moving.

(Copyright 2001 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2001
Gr. 4-6. William is still adjusting to his parents' separation and his father's engagement when his beloved grandfather dies. He knows his mother is letting him adopt a dog so he'll start feeling better, and Riley appears to be a perfect pet--smart, friendly, well-mannered, and a great listener. But when Riley violates a state law by chasing a neighbor's horse, William has to convince the county commissioners not to destroy his friend. As William works with his parents, his friend Grace, and the vet at the animal shelter to save Riley, he learns that although the law seems unjust to him, there are valid arguments to support it. In the process, he also comes to terms with the changes in his life and finds a new home and career for his canine pal. Bunting's story will have strong appeal for middle-graders who will relish the bittersweet but satisfying resolution and the picture of a boy standing up to uncaring adults, bullies, and the system.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)