by Sharon Creech (Author)
Indie Next List Pick - ALA Notable Children's Book - Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner
"A winning tale of love." --Kirkus (starred review)
Perfect for fans of Charlotte's Web and The One and Only Ivan, Saving Winslow is an uplifting modern classic in the making about a young boy who befriends an ailing newborn donkey and nurses him back to health, from New York Times bestseller and Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It's a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.
Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures. So when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, he's determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him helps Louie feel closer to his brother, Gus, who is far, far away in the army.
Everyone worries that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie's quirky new friend, Nora, who has experienced loss of her own. But as Louie's bond with Winslow grows, surprising and life-altering events prove that this fragile donkey is stronger than anyone could have imagined.
Written in the spirit of Creech favorites Moo and Love That Dog, this standout tale about love and friendship and letting go will tug at the heartstrings.
"This heartwarming story is sure to be a hit with fans of E. B. White's Charlotte's Web and Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie." --School Library Journal (starred review)
"Creech packs a tremendous amount of emotion between the lines of her understated prose. Animal lovers in particular will relish Louie's hard-won triumphs and find joy in Winslow's strength." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Woven into this narrative is a convincing portrayal of human growth and blossoming--the story is told simply but subtly, celebrating the unexpected strength of the vulnerable." --Horn Book (starred review)
--School Library Journal (starred review)WorldCat is the world's largest library catalog, helping you find library materials online.
Gr 3-6--Ten-year-old Louie does not have a good track record for taking care of animals. Worms, goldfish, a hamster, a snake, and a lizard are only a few of the pets that died or escaped on his watch. When his father brings home a weak, orphaned newborn mini-donkey from his Uncle Pete's farm, Louie decides to do everything in his power to save him. Taking care of the donkey, which he names Winslow, helps Louie feel closer to his older brother Gus who is serving in the army. Interwoven stories of family and friendship include the girl troubles of his older friend Mack, his quirky new neighbor Nora who has experienced her own losses and is afraid to form attachments, and the hole left behind in his own family as Louie and his parents miss Gus. With short chapters, a timeless setting, and simple prose, this uplifting tale will have readers rooting for the donkey and the boy who nurses him back to health. VERDICT This heartwarming story is sure to be a hit with fans of E.B. White's Charlotte's Web and Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie.--Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Creech (Moo) spins a heartfelt yarn about a boy's struggles trying to raise a baby donkey. Ten-year-old Louie has repeatedly struck out with animals: worms dried up, a parakeet passed on, a found kitten ran away. But when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey from Uncle Pete's farm, Louie is determined to save the "pitiful-looking" creature he names Winslow. The infant requires bottle-feeding, injections, and almost constant nurturing, but Louie refuses to listen to others' pessimism, including that of his new friend Nora. As always, Creech packs a tremendous amount of emotion between the lines of her understated prose. Readers will feel Louie's longing for his older brother, who is serving in the military and signs his letters, "Remember me"; Nora's lack of hope, which stems from losing her premature baby brother; and the children's shared affection for each other and the tiny donkey. Animal lovers in particular will relish Louie's hard-won triumphs and find joy in Winslow's strength. Ages 8-12. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. (Sept.)
Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.