Children’s Book Review: Rock Dogs
January 6, 2010 by Karlynn Johnston
Filed under Book Nook
Rock Dogs is the 5th book in a series of sports stories written by Canadian author Steven Barwin. Noah, the star of the book, is an adventurous boy who is a member of a rock climbing team, appropriately called the Rock Dogs. The Rock Dogs haven’t been working that well together as a team lately, so their coach decides that it’s time for some team-building and announces that there will be a trip to Rattlesnake Point. The one catch for Noah is that you have to have an adult come along, and unfortunately, lately Noah’s Dad hasn’t quite been in on the action, so to say.
Rock climbing isn’t a sport that an 8 year old would usually have on the forefront of their mind to try, so this is an excellent introduction to the world of rock climbing through the eyes of a young boy. The lingo and the equipment are explained at the back of the book in a small glossary, which allows the young reader to pop back and forth when they come across a term they don’t comprehend.
Noah also deals with many real life situations that some children face daily; a dad who might be that little bit too busy to pay attention, a friend who’s parents are divorced and the difficulties of working together as a team with kids your own age some days. It doesn’t go too heavily into these areas but just enough that starting a dialogue with your child about the subjects is easily done when reading together.
All in all, it’s an incredibly unique and fun story to read, and I highly suggest checking out Steven Barwin’s other books in the Sports Series for your young reader.
Reading level: ages 8-13
Page Count: 104
Publisher: Lorimer (Oct 15 2009)
What to expect: real life situations like divorce,absent parents, teamwork, conflict and resolutions, friendship and its trials
Publisher’s synopsis: Noah is the top member of his rock climbing team, the Rock Dogs. Along with Lucas, Noah’s best friend, and Eric, his biggest rival, the Rock Dogs win the annual in-house competition, and are rewarded with a three-day camping trip to Rattle Snake Point. There is only one catch: everyone must bring an adult. Luckily, Noah’s dad, who has been preoccupied with his new business, finds the time to go along. But he is unable to leave his work at home, resulting in a survival lesson for both Noah and Eric.
About the Author: Steven Barwin is the writer of 5 young adult novels, 9 television shows and 2 DVD boardgames. His books are sold all over North America and his television and DVD work is distributed to over 30 countries. You can visit his website at stevenbarwin.com.
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