The Dog Runner

This dystopian story is set in a world where an “ugly red fungus” has attacked the crops including grasses with the result that food is in very short supply. Animals that humans farm and depend on for food have died because of the lack of grass and other plants. Society has broken down as people are prepared to kill others to get food and ten year old Ella and her fourteen year old half brother Emery live in the city with their Father.

Ella’s Mother is an “essential” power worker and has been away from her family for months. Ella and Emery decide to leave the “starving city” to go to see Emery’s Mother who lives in the in the country where they believe there will be more food and safety. They embark on a dangerous journey travelling by dry-land dogsled with their five big dogs.

This is a great book for Year 7 and 8. It is an adventure story but also will lead to discussion about how important plants are for human survival and the need to look after our environment.

Title: The Dog Runner

Author: Bren Macdibble

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

ISBN:9781760523572

RRP: $19

Format: paperback

Date of Publication: May 2018

Ages: Year 7- 10

Reviewer: Jayne, Downe, Library Manager, Kaikorai Valley College, Otago

How highly are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

First sentence: Even with my ear pressed to the floor so hard it hurts, I can’t hardly see under Alvie’s door.

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