Book details
Maggie's Second Chance (Sit! Stay! Read!)
Description
In a compelling story, movingly illustrated, the issue of animal abandonment is brought to life. Maggie, a pregnant lab mix, is left behind in her people's deserted house. Discovered by the realtor, Maggie is brought to the pound where her puppies are born. When Jeff, a fourth-grader, reads a newspaper story about Maggie's puppies being adopted while Maggie is not, he learns from his teacher that Maggie will be euthanized if no one adopts her. This knowledge galvanizes Jeff and his classmates to successfully plan and petition their town council to build an animal shelter. Maggie is given her second chancetaken to the new town shelter, where she is eventually adopted. Maggie's Second Chance is based on the true story of Texas fourth-graders who founded an animal shelter in their town. The final page offers factual comprehensive information on how to help abandoned dogs.Nancy Furstinger, the author of nearly one hundred books, many about animals, is also an editor at two children's book publishing houses. She shares her home with three rescued dogs (including Jollythe real Maggie) and six rescued house rabbits.Joe Hyatt is the illustrator of Buddy Unchained, an award-winning picture book used in schools and libraries around the country. He has a career painting portraits of dogs that was inspired by the portrait he made of his yellow Labrador retriever, Nola. Hyatt lives in California with his three rescue dogs, Nola, Turtle, and Holiday.
Age
3-7
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
24 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Promotes Compassion for Animals: 'Maggie's Second Chance' is a heartwarming tale that encourages readers to develop empathy and compassion for animals, particularly those in shelters awaiting adoption.
- Teaches the Importance of Second Chances: The story highlights the concept of redemption and the positive outcomes that can arise when individuals, or in this case, animals, are given a second chance at life and happiness.
- Inspires Community Action: The book showcases how a community can come together to make a difference, inspiring readers to get involved in local causes and to work collaboratively towards a common goal.
- Educational Value: 'Maggie's Second Chance' provides educational content about the responsibilities of pet ownership, the workings of animal shelters, and the process of rescuing and adopting pets, making it a valuable resource for children and adults alike.