My dog is a winner by Elizabeth Fensham
University of Queensland Press, 2020. ISBN: 9780702262951. 194pp.
(Ages: 9 - 12) Highly recommended. This is a heart-warming story
from the point of view of "nine-and-a-lot" year old Eric. Although
it can be read alone it is the third in a series. Eric has an
amazing dog called Ugly who has the ability to empathize and care
for various characters who need him. Ugly visits Eric's class once a
week along with Eric's wise Grandpa and provides assistance to
students. Firstly there is Barnaby, an autistic boy, who now speaks
and rarely has meltdowns since he was allowed to read to Ugly. Then
a young Syrian refugee girl called Maryam arrives. She has
experienced major trauma and has difficulty starting school in a new
country. Ugly helps her adapt and settle in. However the dilemma
which provides the main thread of the books is Gretchen, Eric's very
cranky and unhappy nearly twenty year old sister. Even Ugly seems to
be getting overwhelmed by the problems he has to deal with. Eric
devises a courageous plan to help Gretchen make friends. He also has
high hopes that Ugly will win a heap of prizes in a Pet Show he has
organised at his school.
Fensham is really successful at creating believable characters. The
language is funny and simple so that Eric's insights and
observations come across as authentic. Ugly is believable and not a
caricature. There are many true tales of dogs which are capable of
supporting people when needed. In fact there are successful programs
like 'Labs 'n Life' where
dogs are used in schools to help students experiencing difficulties.
It was heartening to read in the acknowledgments that Fensham drew
on her own research and experiences of visiting schools where there
are therapy dogs Through Eric's voice Fensham also tackles the tough
issues of depression and ageing in a non-overly dramatic, nuanced
way. The touching exchange in the Principal's office was beautifully
imagined. This story could be read aloud in a classroom setting and
provide interesting discussion.
Jo Marshall