My Life in Dog Years: Ike

by Gary Paulsen

This little book--14 pages--is one of the most moving stories I have ever read. When the author was 13, he spent most of his free time in the woods hunting and camping. He was befriended by a black lab whose tag identified him only as Ike. Every time he would go into the woods Ike would be there to hunt with him, retrieve game, sleep beside him, and listen to his problems. Then, quite abruptly, Ike disappeared and it was 30 years before the author learned what had happened. It was not what he had feared. I have read IKE multiple times and it never fails to make me cry. This book may not be worth much in terms of paper but the story is worth a fortune. It won't take much of your time and you will never forget it.

14 pages, Pamphlet

Published January 1, 1997

About the author

Gary James Paulsen was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and wrote more than 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays, all primarily for teenagers. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.

Reviews

[Alexandria Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for children learning to read more advanced books, great story.