Dog Star

(Paperback)

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Description

Trust takes courage. Laika is a "Cold Dog"-a stray pawing the streets of Moscow until Soviet researchers take her to live at the top-secret facility. Nervous and alone, she learns she will be trained to become a "starflyer," an animal launched into outer space in the Soviets' race against American innovation. Twelve-year-old Nina is also a "Cold Girl," heartbroken after her best friend defects to America. When Nina and Laika meet in Nina's father's lab, their growing bond slowly warms the cold that has settled in each of their hearts. Together, they uncover a system of secrets, and must decide if they too will separate from the pack, or rocket to the stars. Inspired by the true story of Laika, Dog Star is a novel about friendship, personal agency, and the real meaning of love and loyalty.

Reviews

A NCSS Notable Book

"Shepherd's tautly paced historical novel portrays the friendship between a stray dog and an empathic 12-year-old, both in the orbit of the Starflyer mission to launch animals into space. . . . [S]ympathetic characters deliver a tense and compelling adventure that stays true to historical events." --Publishers Weekly

"A poignant story that accessibly illuminates a milestone in space exploration history." --Kirkus Reviews

"Recommended for its insight into a pivotal moment in history and the touching relationship between a girl and her dog." -- Beth Rosania

Author Bio

Megan Shepherd is a New York Times bestselling author and Carnegie Medal nominee. She grew up in her family's independent bookstore in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is the author of many acclaimed middle grade and young adult novels, including the Madman's Daughter series, the Cage series, The Secret Horses of Briar Hill, and the Grim Lovelies series. She now lives on a haunted 125-year-old farm outside Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and children, two cats, chickens, bees, and an especially scruffy dog. meganshepherd.com