The Spotted Dog Last Seen (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781554984015)

While tracking clues from a secret code penciled in the margins of mystery novels at a public library, Derek Knowles-Collier discovers a time capsule that may finally put his haunting past to rest. At Queensview Elementary, sixth-grade students are required to complete a community service unit as part of their school curriculum. Derek was sick when groups were assigned, so he is stuck with what's left: landscape and repair duty at the local cemetery. Derek is not happy about his assignment. When he was very young, his friend Dennis was killed by a car after running into the road to catch a ball. Ever since, Derek has had recurring nightmares. It's a relief when his group's lessons on all aspects of cemetery care are so interesting that Derek doesn't have time to dwell on his experience with death. One day, a book arrives at the library, an anonymous donation. While reading the book, Derek and his group find a secret code written on an inside margin. Through a series of discoveries and deductions, Derek and his friends discover the truth behind Dennis' death, which means that Derek is finally able to put his terrifying memories (and his nightmares) to rest.

Author: Jessica Scott Kerrin
ISBN-10: 1554984017
ISBN-13: 9781554984015
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Language: English
Published: 03/17/2015
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 7.40h x 5.00w x 0.60d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.5
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 160446 / Spotted Dog Last Seen

Award: Manitoba Young Readers Choice Award - Nominee

Review Citation(s):
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2014 pg. 82 - Recommended, Satisfactory
School Library Journal 12/01/2013