Jeremy lives in a small community where winters are long and stray dogs roam the streets. When peer pressure leads Jeremy into a bad prank, he is immediately struck with guilt — and that's when his life changes forever. Trying to make amends, Jeremy befriends Yellow Dog — and in the process meets a curious old man who introduces him to the adventures of dog sledding. Soon Jeremy is forming his own old-time dog team that includes Yellow Dog and in the process, discovers more about himself — and the old man — than he ever thought possible.
Miriam Körner,
Originally from Germany, draws her inspiration from her love for the land and people of Canada's North. She is an award-winning writer and illustrator for children and young adults who lives in a small cabin surrounded by her sled dogs in northern Saskatchewan. Her most recent novel, Qaqavii, will be available in March 2019.
"Körner hits the mark exploring the passions of a young boy and his relationships. The intergenerational relationship between Jack and Jeremy explores Cree culture and language with familiarity rather than cold observation. Jeremy's interest in his culture and history could spark conversations with readers, elders and others about history and traditions. Körner also gently transforms Justin's understanding of Jeremy and dogs. Simmering with resentment and pride, Justin learns why Jeremy loves dogs and how to participate in his interests, beautifully demonstrating the hard work it takes to remain open-minded despite past trauma.
Heartwarming and optimistic."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Korner, a Saskatchewan resident and sled dog owner, vividly portrays life in the Canadian north, including a shocking scene with a stray dog, and seeds the novel with authentic dog team culture and history.
"VERDICT Hand this touching coming-of-age adventure to fans of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet."
— School Library Journal
"Author Körner has created a believable series of events that unravel the mystery [...] This very Canadian coming of age novel set on a reserve in northern Saskatchewan could become a classic."
Rating: Excellent.
— Resource Links
"An exhilarating ride through the icy wilderness of Northern Saskatchewan, Miriam Körner's Yellow Dog is a beautiful exploration of a traditional way of life that is quickly becoming extinct."
— National Reading Campaign
"With a true natural born storyteller's skill, novelist Miriam Körner is able to deftly craft an impressively engaging and entertaining read that will make "Yellow Dog" an enduringly popular addition to personal reading lists and community library General Fiction collections."
— Midwest Book Review
"Each of Yellow Dog characters demonstrate flaws or moments of vulnerability, and there can be found in each a degree of isolation. Jeremy's journey begins, as much as anything, with his discovery of the ability to hurt or do harm. It is Jeremy's assumption of responsibility for the dogs, and for setting his own priorities, that will ultimately cause him, and those close to him, to make new discoveries in their abilities to heal, to forgive, and to fulfil the trust of others.
Recommended."
— CM Magazine
On VOYA's Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2017 list
"Fans of Gary Paulsen's books will find a great adventure story here."
— From VOYA's Top Shelf selection committee
Winner of the 2018 Snow Willow Award
Shortlisted for the 2018 Rocky Mountain Book Award
A Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Awards nominee for 2018
2017/18 Red Cedar Book Awards nominee in the fiction category
Nominated for the 2018 Silver Birch Fiction Award
On CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens starred selection
Nominated for 2017 Saskatchewan Book Award
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