Shiloh written by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Shiloh
Written by: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Grades: 3-7
Awards:
Newbery Medal (1992),
Texas Bluebonnet Award (1994),
Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award (1994), 
Grand Canyon Reader Award for Intermediate Book (1994), 
Nene Award (1994)
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (1994), 
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (1994), 
Pennsylvania Young Readers' Choice Award for Grades 6-8 (1993), 
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (1993), 
Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award for Youth (1994), 
Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (1993), 
Children's Choice Book Award (1994), 
New Mexico Land of Enchantment Award (1994), 
IRA-CBC Young Adult Choice, 
IRA-CBC Teacher's Choice, 
Bluestem Book Award Nominee (2015), 
Oklahoma Sequoyah Award for Children (1994)

Marty is an 11 year old boy who finds a beagle puppy alone in the woods by his home in West Virginia. The beagle pup has been abused by Marty's rough neighbor, Judd. Marty does not want to give the puppy back to Judd, but has to do the right thing. The beagle escapes again but, this time Marty secretly keeps the puppy so Judd cannot abuse him. He names the puppy Shiloh and they quickly become best friends. 

Marty's secret is revealed when Shiloh is attacked by another dog and he needs to seek help. Judd is very upset that Marty lied about having his dog and demands that the puppy be returned to him. Marty makes a deal with Judd to exchange work for the dog. Judd agrees but, does not hold up his end of the deal. Marty is upset, but continues to work for Shiloh. Eventually, Marty does soften Judd up and gets Shiloh. 

This book can be used in the classroom to show students that lying is not a good thing even if it is for a good reason. It also shows them that perseverance does pay off in the long run.