Shiloh

I don't know how I never read this one in school but it is a great, quick read with good questions for younger and middle grades.

Fantastic story for young children!

Marty finds a runaway dog and he instantly falls in love. The dog has not run away without good reason; his owner, Judd Travers, disciplines his dogs by kicking them and starving them.

The dog is returned to his owner, but when the dog runs away again, Marty can't bear to send the dog, who Marty names Shiloh, back to such a life. Instead Marty hides Shiloh in the woods behind his house and tells what becomes a nest of lies to his parents, his friends, and the dog's owner.

Of course, Marty is soon found out and Judd Travers is determined to have the dog returned to him. But Marty catches Travers hunting deer out of season and at last has a way to obtain Shiloh for his own. As a part of the agreement, Marty goes to work for Travers. The two talk each day and Marty learns more of Travers. Gradually, they forge a relationship that enables them to get along.