A Dog on Barkham Street

Barkham Street #1

by Mary Stolz

A Dog on Barkham Street
An ALA Notable Book Edward Frost wants a dog of his own. And he doesn't want to be bullied by big, mean Martin Hastings anymore. Neither wish seems very likely to come true, until one day wandering Uncle Josh arrives with a beautiful collie named Argess. Suddenly everything begins to change.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Animals, Action

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Mary Stolz was a noted author for children and adolescents whose novels earned critical praise for the seriousness with which they took the problems of young people. Two of her books ''Belling the Tiger'' (1961) and ''The Noonday Friends'' (1965), were named Newbery Honor books by the ALA but it was her novels for young adults that combined romance with realistic situations that won devotion from her fans. Young men often created more problems and did not always provide happy ever after endings. Her heroines had to cope with complex situations and learn how to take action whether it was working as nurses (The Organdy Cupcakes), living in a housing project (Ready or Not), or escaping from being a social misfit by working for the summer as a waitress (The Sea Gulls Woke Me).

Reviews

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I read this ages ago, but it must not have made a big impression at the time. At least from an adult perspective, it's a pleasant quick read that presents good insights into one particular youthful mind. I liked how Edward recognizes his own shortcomings. The reactions of his parents are interesting - not typical, but still believable. I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.

The Leonard Shortall illustrations are just perfect for the story.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Edward Frost, who had his share of problems, didn’t see how he’d ever solve the biggest one. This was Martin Hastings, the bully of Barkham Street. Martin was two years older than Edward, and there was no solution for this. Martin would continue to be two years older until he was a hundred and Edward was ninety-eight. Edward had a feeling that even then he might not be entirely safe.

Premise/plot: Edward, our hero, has two big “problems.” The first is that he is the primary target of the school bully. The two are not in the same class, but they live next door to each other. Martin, the “bully” has been held back once, possibly twice. (Edward jokes that Martin is so dumb he probably can’t even read.) The second is that his “mean” parents won’t let him get a dog. To Edward and his best, best friend Rod, having a dog is the most important thing in the world.

Edward wants to a) avoid Martin at school and home, b) convince his parents to let him have a dog, c) magically become good at being responsible without practicing responsibility. He’ll get a few opportunities when his uncle, a “hobo” or “tramp” comes to stay for a few weeks. He brings with him a stray dog that has joined him in his wandering.

My thoughts: This was originally published in 1960. It deals with two universals. A boy needing, wanting, having to have a DOG. A boy being picked on by a bully.

The writing is excellent. I loved, loved, loved the narrative voice and style. I loved Edward’s relationships with his family and best friend. My favorite chapter may be when he tidied up his room....

The bullying. I think modern readers would recognize that Edward is a bully too. He calls Martin names, he insults him, teases him for being fat, teases him for being held back, etc. Martin no doubt is a bully, physically picking on Edward. But who is starting the conflict? Who is inflaming it? Neither is living by the golden rule. Neither is showing kindness.

I am still not sure what to make of the hobo theme. He is choosing not to stay in any one town and not be tied down by a job or possessions. He glorifies the wandering nomad life—sleeping out under the stars wherever he wants, seeing the world, doing life on his own terms.

Quotes:

“Be sure you soap behind your ears.”
Edward stopped feeling tender. “Mother,” he said, in a firm, patient voice, “this isn’t my night for soap.”
“What do you mean?” she said. “It isn’t your night for soap? Every night is a night for soap. Soap goes with the bath.”
“Not with mine it doesn’t,” Edward explained. “One night soap. Next night no soap. Why do I have to take a bath every night, anyway?” (37)

It was a funny thing, he mused, piling things in the box for the Salvation Army, that lots of times he asked for things not really much wanting them at all. For instance, jigsaw puzzles. He didn’t actually want any, he didn’t even like doing them very much when he got them, but the habit of asking was just one he sort of had. He asked for Good Humors if the Good Humor Man happened to be around, clothes if he happened to be in a store where they sold him, toys if he happened to see them in an advertisement or a shop window. He guessed that one way and another he asked for something or other every single day whether he wanted it or not. Sometimes he got the thing and sometimes he didn’t, but anyone could see that the asking annoyed parents. (28)

[Tracy P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book feels like a typical chapter book for elementary school kids in the 60s. It’s has the expected elements: a mother whose job is only to care for the house and nag her child about rules, the kid who invariably breaks them but feels remorse, and an entirely too small and simple time when an altercation between two neighbor boys brings multiple onlookers in the community to watch and laugh at the exchange. The title feels somewhat disjointed from the book (as the dog is a minor plot point) and the characters are rather flat, specifically Uncle Josh. I felt bad for the bully Martin next door and was hoping for some kind of reconciliation between the two. While it hints at future improvements, overall I was disappointed. Especially because Edward’s use of retaliation towards Martin with nasty words is never addressed, and while Edward’s dad mentions that Martin is a bully because adults bully him (implying at worse his parents are emotionally abusive, and best that they neglect or ignore him) nothing substantial is done to help Martin in his situation. I suppose I can still appreciate this book as a classic and mildly entertaining, in standing up to juvenile literature today I would find this book lacking.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could be your typical "boy wants a dog and is constantly bullied by the neighbor" story. Only when you pair it with The Bully of Barkham Street, you see that there is much more going on here. A very nice story on its own, but even better when you read both books.

[Darby Karchut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the very first chapter book I read on my own as a little kid. Still a charming story. Passed it on to two very special boys.

[Nguyen Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a typical story of a bullied boy who wants a dog to be his companion. I loved the author's writing style. The illustration is excellent!

One thing I'm not quite sure is how the bullying thing is going to be resolved? It's a knot that remained untied. It tells me something about parenting and dealing with growing up kids.

Edward wanted a dog, but his parents did not allow him to because he didn't demonstrate responsibilties. It was not until his irresponsible uncle came and helped him realized the value of being reponsible. Although it was not well described how he managed to become more responsible, the final event seemed to unlock his lesson.

To be honest, I am that uncle Josh who just wants to go here and there, being a short-term friend that lifts people up and then move on. I kinda like him though.

[Ann Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written by Mary Stolz but the edition I read listed the author as M.S. Stolz and did not provide any information about the author. I wonder if that's because the book is written from the point of view of a boy and she didn't want to scare off boy readers with her name. (That reminds me of a book I read when I was a young teenager that was written from the boy's point of view -- I was so disappointed when I saw that the author was female because I was so surprised by the feelings expressed by the 'boy' narrator. Oh, well.)

The events of this book are repeated in The Bully of Barkham Street from the bully's point of view. I recommend reading both books.

[Christie Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely lovely book about a boy, named Edward, who wants a dog more than anything in the world but can’t manage to be as responsible as his parents think he needs to be in order to get one. On top of that he is almost daily picked on and physically chased down by the neighborhood bully.

The story is full of excellent messages about bullying, responsibility, dependability, and the nature of responsible love while also managing to make you laugh all the way through.

It has excellent examples of good relationships between parents and children without being sickly sweet and has a happy ending.

A must read for anyone who loves a good story.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edward Frost wants nothing more than to have a dog of his own, but his parents are against it, because Edward hasn't shown them, that he can be more responsible. Edward also has a problem with Martin Hastings, the older, and larger bully who lives next door to him. When Edward's Uncle Josh pays the family a visit and brings along a dog, life begins to change for Edward, and his parent's attitude about having a dog around the house soften.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Weekly Reader Book, which you would think would have a fairly simple plot. It had some depth and insight to it, though — dealing with issues such as bullying, parent-child relationships, and especially hobos/wanderers. It didn’t have simplistic answers, and sometimes there were no answers, but it was done with a light and sensitive touch. I liked it. It was more like 3.6667 stars, though. 😁

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up and being responsible are oh-so-hard to do, and no one knows that better than Edward Frost. Especially when he must prove his responsibility before he can have his heart's desire, a dog. But he forgets his troubles when his Uncle Josh comes for a visit, and brings with him -- a dog. But in the end, Edward seems much closer to handling his problems, including Martin Hasting, the bully of Barkham Street.
Insight into pre-adolescent behavior and feelings is remarkable in this book.

[Kimberly McCollum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a read aloud with my boys. They loved hearing about Edward, Uncle Josh, and Argess. I found the book surprisingly thought-provoking as Edward tries, with varying levels of success, to see the world from perspectives other than his own.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all love stories about a boy and his dog. This is no exception to that rule. The story was simple and straight forward. The tone was pleasant.

Overall a decent book for young readers and even us grown-ups who are still big kids at heart.

[Karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

An old book that my dad handed down to me. It was pretty good, for a kids book - different subject material than most. I'd like my kids to read it, just because it's old and slower paced and has a different view on the world.

[Sarah Gallini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quaint, fun childhood story. I liked the perspectives that the father gives to the son about dealing with bullies etc. Good advice.

[Hsa Lei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fun to read as an adult. There are some funny scenes, especially the conversation between parents and children. As an adult, you can relate yourself to many scenes in this story.

[Jennifer Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly engaging story, and at times very funny. However, the realistic depictions of characters and situations give the reader plenty to think about.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. A Dog on Barkham Street
2. The Bully of Barkham Street
3. The Explorer of Barkham Street

This is the first book in the series. It does not have to be read to appreciate the second book, which is a superior work and which stands on its own well enough, but the first book is an easy, enjoyable read that will give some background for the second. If you are going to read the first book in the series, I recommend reading it first, because although the stories will be easy enough to follow either way, the first book is likely to be a disappointment if you read it after the second.

A Dog on Barkham Street, which follows the trials and tribulations of a suburban boy who wants a dog of his own, has a tone that is very similar to Beverly Cleary's books for children. The book is set in the same sort of quiet, suburban neighborhood. The main character has the sort of problems that any regular, middle-class American kid will find relatable. The book is clearly aimed at a young audience, but it's also likely to entertain adults enough to keep them reading.

Recommended.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8-year-old grandson and I read this book together, and we really liked it! Though the book was written in 1960, it still is very relevant. In this book 5th grader Edward has two goals in life--to convince his parents that he is responsible enough to take care of a dog, and to rid his life of Martin, the 6th grade bully who lives next door. One day Edward's uncle Josh comes for a visit, along with a dog named Argess that he acquired along the way. Josh is a "wanderer." He has no job and just roams the country for new adventures. Edward and his best friend Rod are in awe of of Uncle Josh, and both fall immediately in love with Argess. Josh and Rod eventually find themselves disappointed by Uncle Josh, and after a hair-raising adventure, come to appreciate their parents, learn how to handle a bully, and are on their way to becoming responsible. This heart-warming, funny, and exciting animal story would make a great read-aloud for a 4th or 5th grade classroom.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book my Dad read as a kid that I read as a kid, and then reread last month. It's about a boy who wishes he had a dog. He has this "hobo" uncle who wanders the world instead of settling down who visits the family, and brings an amazing dog with him. And there's a bully next door. The best part to me was the writing about the parents, who are trying to negotiate adulthood in a fairly interesting way -- it's not all "father's know best," the parents seem very human and normal and relatable. The uncle reminded me too much of an ex so I sort of hated him right off the bat, and despite the huge emphasis on the dog in the title, she isn't that central to the book. It's an ok book.

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really not sure where Goodreads got that official description; it has nothing to do with the book I know and love (and yes, judging by the cover art here, this IS the A Dog on Barkham Street I'm thinking of, and based on the reviews others have left...that's the one they're thinking of as well. Please correct this, Goodreads!

[Carol L. Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great book dealing with bullies and how children and parents get along. The author wove the elements expertly together through the story. We see Edward, a normal, ordinary, fifth grader. But he doesn't stay that way. He grows by steps and jumps as he learns to deal with the struggles of life. He also learns to see his parents as people, not wardens.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think of it in much yonger this book would have been more appealing to me but having read it when I'm 27 I see the literary value of it and I enjoyed it. I would definitely give it to a future child of mine or niece or nephew for them to read when they are about the age of the characters. I'm glad my dad gave it to me so that I could read it.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a boy. It must have been because I always wanted a dog too. I've only read it once but I guess I loved it so much I still remember the name all these years. Glad to see it is still being read!

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good. Has good tips on why others may bully near the end. Good about learning responsibility and realizing how difficult a mothers role can be sometimes. I really enjoyed it. Would be a good one for reading to children and discussing at the end of each chapter.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

i haven't read this since grade school, so this review is forty years late. this was a favourite book when i was growing up.

[Ramsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is not the greatest boook ive already read

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember my 4th grade teacher reading this to the class. It was nice to get to read it again.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old favorite of nime from childhood.As an adult I love the parental perspective as well.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

the miss adventures of a young boy and his desire to get a dog.