Community Reads for Kids – “Dogtown” by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Community Reads for Kids – Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Community Reads for Kids is a countywide reading program that encourages everyone in our community to read and discuss the same book. This year we are reading Dogtown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko. The Library will host an online book discussion on Tuesday, January 23, at 4 p.m. Co-author Gennifer Choldenko will do an online author talk on Tuesday, January 30, at 11 a.m. A recording of the author talk will be available for a limited time. Visit the library catalog to reserve the book, eBook or eAudiobook.

Dogtown is a shelter for stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs. Chance, a real dog, has been in Dogtown since her owners unwittingly left her with irresponsible dog-sitters. Metal Head is a robot dog who dreams of being back in a real home. And Mouse is a mouse who has the run of Dogtown, pilfering kibble and performing clever feats to protect the dogs he loves. When Chance and Metal Head embark on an adventure to find their forever homes, there is danger, cheese sandwiches, a charging station, and some unexpected kindnesses along the way.

Gennifer Choldenko is a Newbery Honor-winning American writer of popular books for children and adolescents. Her first novel, Notes From a Liar and Her Dog, was named "Best Book of the Year" by School Library Journal and her second, Al Capone Does My Shirts, part of Al Capone at Alcatraz series, won the 2005 Newbery Honor citation. Gennifer lives with her loyal husband and naughty dog in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Library is partnering with Contra Costa Animal Services to celebrate and aid our local pets and animals. They will host an online talk about how to Care for Your Pet on Tuesday, January 16, at 4 p.m. The talk will be recorded and available for later viewing. The library is also collecting toys for Animal Services to provide fun and enrichment for dogs as they wait for their forever homes. In order to provide the most amount of help they are requesting the following toys: Kong for XX-Large Dogs Kong for X-Large Dogs  Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy- Large and X-Large  Donations can be dropped off at your local library throughout January and February 2024 or delivered to Animal Services:
1025 Escobar Street
Martinez, CA 94553

Children made lots of pet posters in Dogtown. Consider creating a poster encouraging pet adoption. With a signed release your local branch and Animal Services would love to post your adoption poster. You just might encourage someone to find their new best friend! Your local library may be holding additional events including Read to a Dog sessions to celebrate the 2024 Community Reads for Kids so be sure to visit the library event calendar for more information.

Dogtown Read-Alikes

You'll like these because of the lovable characters, the friendships, and the adventurous escapades!





View Full List