Shiloh Unit Project: Worksheet

Project 1: Book Review

1. To get other kids to read the book.  To express my opinion of the book.

2. For kids who have not yet read the book, my teacher who may have read the book.

3. What could be more pure than the love of a boy and his dog?


4.  What could be more pure than the love of a boy and his dog?  In Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, a lonely 11 year old boy and a beagle find each other in the hills of West Virginia.  The story centers around Marty Preston, and his family.  His father Ray delivers the mail, and his Mother stays home with Marty and his two sisters, Becky and Dara Lynn.  Marty goes out one Sunday night with his rifle, and meets a beagle who follows him home.  He names the beagle Shiloh, after the old school near where he found the dog wondering around.  When his dad sees the dog, he recognizes it as belonging to Judd Travers, and they return Shiloh to him. From then on, all Marty can think about is Shiloh.

5.

Marty had seen Judd kick Shiloh, refer to him as not having a name, and say he wasn't going to feed him until he hunts.  When Shiloh shows back up in the Preston's yard Marty decides to keep him.  He builds a pen for the dog, sneaks him food from his own plate, and lies to keep people away from the spot.  Marty feels guilty about lying to his family and friends, and eventually lets his friend David know about him.  Finally one night, his Mother follows him out and sees Shiloh.  She promises to give Marty one night before she tells her husband.  Before she can tell Ray about Shiloh, a German Shepard jumps the fence, and attacks the beagle.  Ray is mad that Marty lied to him. They take Shiloh to the Doctor, who patches him up, and returns him to the Preston's home. Ray agrees to let Marty keep the dog until he is better.  During that time, the whole Preston family becomes very attached to him.  Unfortunately, Judd heard that the Preston's had his dog, and demands he be returned to him on Sunday.

That Sunday, Marty goes to talk to Judd.  On his way there Marty sees Judd kill a doe out of season.  Marty threatens to go to the Game Warden and turn Judd in.  He agree to keep quiet about the deer if Judd lets him have Shiloh.  They strike a deal, Marty will work for Judd at two dollars an hour for twenty hours to pay for Shiloh.   Marty works hard, doing work that is very hard for a boy his age for two weeks while Judd threatens to not honor their deal.  In the end though, Judd give Marty a collar for Shiloh after his last day of work.

6. I really enjoyed this book.  My favorite part was when Marty met Shiloh.  Not only do you learn about how one lie can lead to another, you also learn that sometimes it is hard to decide what the right thing to do is.  I think all kids should read this book because it is very entertaining while still teaching you life lessons.