The Soul of the Silver Dog
on Goodreads (84)
What’s inside...
Feeling rejected by her own family after her younger sister's death, fourteen-year-old Cory adopts a blind show dog and devotes herself to bringing back some of his championship glory by training him for agility competition.
Age
11-12
Length
132 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the relationship between Corey and Silver change throughout the story?
What do you think helped Corey the most in dealing with his challenges?
Why is the bond between a person and their pet special, according to the story?
How do you think the story would have changed if Silver wasn't in it?
What did you learn about bravery and friendship from Corey and Silver?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a comfortable and quiet reading environment to help your child focus on the themes and characters in the book.
Ask your child how they feel about the events in the story to encourage them to express their emotions.
Relate elements of the book to your child’s personal experiences, such as friendships or overcoming difficulties, to deepen their connection with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book and discuss how those changes might have affected the outcome.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights as they discuss, reinforcing their analytical thinking and confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist's relationship with the silver dog showcases the development of deep empathy and compassion towards the dog's situation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers or pets, nurturing empathetic relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for the silver dog teaches the protagonist about the responsibility involved in looking after someone else's needs.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to take responsibility for their own tasks and chores, understanding the importance of dependability.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The story portrays how both the protagonist and the silver dog overcome challenges, highlighting the strength of character and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing resilience to face their own challenges, whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: The bond that forms between the protagonist and the silver dog underlines the support and joy that friendship brings.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to value and nurture friendships, recognizing the mutual support they provide.
Example Lesson: Healing Through Care
Explanation: As the protagonist takes care of the silver dog, they both experience healing, demonstrating how caring for others can be beneficial to one’s own well-being.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of caring for others, seeing how their actions can positively affect their own emotional health.